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) · Fredrik Aurnes (D. Prioste) · Leandro Barreiro (J. Veloso) · Dodi Lukebakio (G. Prestianni) · Andreas Schjelderup (Bruma) · Franjo Ivanovic (V. Pavlidis / H. Araújo)

SL Benfica looks to control matches through a high press and rapid vertical transitions using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup aims to squeeze the space in the middle of the pitch while maintaining enough numbers behind the ball to resist counter attacks. The team relies on winning the ball back high up the pitch to catch opponents off guard before they can settle into a rhythm.

Trubin guards the goal while a back five maintains a solid defensive block. Otamendi acts as a leader in the center, using his aerial strength to win headers and his experience to organize the line. Alongside him, Enzo Barrenechea and Antonio Silva provide cover to ensure the central area remains tight. Dedic and Dahl operate as attacking wing backs, looking to spread wide and provide service. Dedic pushes high to offer width on the right, while Dahl provides similar support on the left to stretch the opposition.

A two man midfield sits in front of the back five to control the central zone. Leandro Barreiro and Fredrik Aurnes work to connect the defensive unit with the front three. Barreiro helps to shield the defence and break the line with his passing, while Aurnes looks to carry the ball forward into the half spaces. This pairing must work hard to press in a mid block and ensure they do not get bypassed by quick passing moves.

The attacking front three functions to pin the last defender and create chances through directness. Franjo Ivanovic operates as a pressing centre forward to force long balls from the opposition. On the flanks, Andreas Schjelderup and Dodi Lukebakio act as wide wingers who look to isolate defenders one on one. Schjelderup often cuts inside to create space for the wing backs, whereas Lukebakio uses his pace to run in behind. The forwards work in combinations to find space between the lines and deliver crosses into the box.

SL Benfica gains a massive advantage through the wide overloads created by the wing backs and wide attackers. This formation also allows for great compactness when defending deep, making it very hard for opponents to play through the middle. The ability to transition quickly from a mid block to an attacking stance puts immediate pressure on the opposing back line.

This 5-2-3 formation provides a balance of defensive security and attacking width. It is best suited for matches against teams that prefer to hold possession, as the compact shape limits their passing lanes.