On October 2, 2024, the Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica in Lisbon, Portugal, will host a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League match between Benfica and Atltico Madrid. This encounter marks the first meeting between the two teams since December 2015, when Atltico Madrid secured a 2-1 victory.
Historical Context and Head-to-Head Statistics
The historical head-to-head statistics between Benfica and Atltico Madrid are intriguing. Since 2009, the two teams have played three matches, with Benfica winning one and Atltico Madrid emerging victorious in two. None of these matches have ended in a draw. On average, these direct matches have seen both teams score a total of 3.00 goals per match.
Recent Form and Team Statistics
Both teams enter this match with impressive recent form. Benfica has been strong at home, with their actual season average seeing them score 2.25 goals per match. In the 2024-25 season, Benfica has maintained a solid record, particularly at home, where 77.78% of their matches have seen total goals (team and opponent) exceed 1.5 goals, and 66.67% have exceeded 2.5 goals.
Atltico Madrid, meanwhile, has also shown resilience, with notable wins in their recent matches. Their last few games have included a draw against Real Madrid and wins against Celta Vigo and RB Leipzig. The team's current form index and away match statistics indicate a strong competitive edge.
Match Details and Broadcast Information
The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM local time on October 2, 2024, and will be broadcast on CBS Sports. For fans unable to attend in person, the match will also be available on Paramount+ for live streaming.
The odds for the match are closely contested, with Benfica at +198 and Atltico Madrid at +141 to win. The over/under for total goals is set at 2.5, with -116 for over and -110 for under.
Key Players and Injuries
Benfica will rely on key players such as Kerem Akturkoglu, who has been a significant contributor with his goal-scoring form. On the other hand, Atltico Madrid will look to Antoine Griezmann, who has been instrumental with his goals and assists. Notably, Thomas Lemar of Atltico Madrid is expected to be among the substitutes after recovering from a strain.
Jose Maria Gimenez of Atltico Madrid has also been in good form, contributing with tackles and clearances in recent matches, although he received a yellow card in the 76th minute against Celta Vigo.
Conclusion and Anticipation
The upcoming match between Benfica and Atltico Madrid promises to be an exciting and closely contested encounter. Given the historical context, recent form, and key player performances, fans can expect a high-intensity match with plenty of scoring opportunities. To stay updated with the latest scores, formations, and match commentary, follow the live updates on the UEFA Champions League platform.
For more detailed statistics and historical data on football teams, you can visit the UEFA Champions League page on Wikipedia.
