Benfica prepare for their upcoming match with a boost to their line-up as Bruno Lage can reintegrate playmaker Orkun Kokcu from suspension. The team will be nearly at full strength, with only Renato Sanches remaining side-lined due to a persistent thigh injury.
The spotlight remains on veteran forward Angel Di Maria, who continues to make Champions League history. Recently, he surpassed David Beckham on the all-time assist list, registering his 37th and 38th assists in the competition. The 36-year-old Argentine has been in exceptional form, scoring six goals and providing three assists in his last five appearances across all competitions.
Kerem Akturkoglu has emerged as a key offensive threat for Benfica, leading the team’s scoring charts with 10 goals this season. The attacking line-up looks potent and dynamic, with Di Maria’s experience complementing the younger talents.
Bologna face significant challenges ahead of the match. Riccardo Orsolini is struggling with a thigh strain after limping off in their recent Coppa Italia victory. Additional injury concerns include muscular problems for Michel Aebischer and Charalampos Lykogiannis, who join long-term absentees Nicolo Cambiaghi and Oussama El Azzouzi on the sidelines.
The visitors will rely on 20-year-old striker Santiago Castro to lead their attack. The young forward has already demonstrated his potential with five goals and five assists across all competitions this season.
Benfica (4-3-3): Trubin; Bah, Araujo, Otamendi, Carreras; Aursnes, Luis, Kokcu; Di Maria, Pavlidis, Akturkoglu
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Miranda; Freuler, Pobega; Ndoye, Ferguson, Dominguez; Castro
