SL Benfica Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Trubin (S. Soares / D. Ferreira) · Dedic (Bah / L. Santos) · Antonio Silva (Tomàs Araújo) · Otamendi (G. Oliveira / J. Wynder) · Dahl (R. Obrador) · Enzo Barrenechea (Richard Ríos / Manu Silva) · J. Veloso (D. Prioste) · Fredrik Aursnes (L. Barreiro) · Dodi Lukebakio (G. Prestianni) · Andreas Schjelderup (Bruma) · Pavlidis (F. Ivanovic / H. Araújo)

SL Benfica aims to dominate games through a high press and rapid vertical transitions using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to squeeze the pitch and win the ball back high up the pitch to catch the opponent out of position. By utilizing a heavy presence in the attacking third, the team looks to control the tempo and strike quickly when the opposition fails to clear their lines.

Trubin starts in goal to command the area and organize the defensive unit. The defensive block features a back three consisting of Antonio Silva, Otamendi, and Enzo Barrenechea. Otamendi acts as a dominant presence in the air and provides leadership at the center, while Antonio Silva provides cover and stays alert to intercept long balls. The width is provided by attacking wing backs Dedic and Dahl, who push high to support the attack. Dedic and Dahl must track back quickly to prevent counter attacks, ensuring the back five remains compact when defending deep.

In the middle of the pitch, a two-man midfield provides the engine for the team. Fredrik Aursnes and J. Veloso act as the central pair to connect the defense and the attack. Aursnes works to drive forward with the ball and link play, while J. Veloso helps to shield the defense and win the second ball in the middle third. This pair must stay disciplined to avoid leaving the central defenders exposed during transitions.

The attacking trident focuses on stretching the defense and creating chances in the final third. Pavlidis operates as a pressing centre-forward who holds up the ball and finds the feet of his teammates. Andreas Schjelderup and Dodi Lukebakio play as wide attackers who cut inside to create numerical superiority in central areas. This front line works to pin the last defender and create space for the wing backs to overlap. The movement of Schjelderup and Lukebakio creates constant threats in the half spaces, allowing Pavlidis to find space in the box.

The primary tactical advantages for SL Benfica include the ability to press high in coordinated waves and create wide overloads from the wing backs. By pushing Dedic and Dahl high, the team forces the opposition to defend deep and wide. This formation also offers great compactness when defending in a mid-block, making it difficult for opponents to find passing lanes between the lines.

This 5-2-3 formation provides a strong balance between defensive security and attacking width. It is best suited for matches against teams that play with a high defensive line or struggle to manage intense pressure in their own half.