SL Benfica Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Vangelis Pavlidis (Franjo Ivanovic) · Kerem Aktürkoğlu (Andreas Schjelderup) · Fredrik Aursnes (Gianluca Prestianni) · Enzo Barrenechea (Florentino Luís) · Richard Ríos (Leandro Barreiro) · João Félix (Bruma) · Nicolás Otamendi (Tomás Araújo) · António Silva · Samuel Dahl (Rafa Obrador) · Alexander Bah (Amar Dedic) · Anatoliy Trubin (Samuel Soares)

SL Benfica looks to overwhelm opponents through a high press and direct verticality using a 4-2-4. This formation is built to pin the opposition back and create constant pressure in the final third. The lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and quickly move it toward the front four to exploit gaps in the defensive line.

Anatoliy Trubin plays behind a flat back four to protect the goal. Alexander Bah acts as an attacking full back on the right to provide width, while Samuel Dahl occupies the left side. In the center, Nicolás Otamendi uses his experience to command the line and win headers, while António Silva acts as a ball playing defender who can cover space if the line is pushed high. The defensive unit works to stay compact and step up to trigger a press when the ball enters their zone.

The midfield operates as a double pivot to provide a foundation for the attack. Richard Ríos and Enzo Barrenechea occupy the central spaces to shield the defense and recycle possession. Ríos works to carry the ball forward and connect the defense to the attack, while Barrenechea focuses on picking up runners and pressing aggressively to win the ball back. This pair must work hard to cover the ground between the defensive line and the four attackers.

A heavy emphasis is placed on the front line to stretch the defense. Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Fredrik Aursnes occupy the wide areas, with Aktürkoğlu looking to cut inside and create chances. The two central forwards, João Félix and Vangelis Pavlidis, work in a partnership to find space between the lines. João Félix uses his dribbling style to pull defenders out of position, while Pavlidis acts as a target to find the feet of his teammates or make runs in behind. The forwards press the opposition back line to force long balls and win the second ball.

SL Benfica creates significant advantages through wide overloads and the ability to press high in coordinated waves. By having four players close to the opposition defense, the team can isolate wide players in one on one situations. The double pivot in midfield allows the team to maintain control while the wide attackers and full backs push high to create numerical superiority in the attacking third.

This aggressive formation is designed to dominate games through heavy pressure and rapid transitions. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play out from the back under intense pressure.