SL Benfica Football Formation

Starting Lineup

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

SL Benfica relies on a lineup that prioritizes defensive security and rapid transitions through a 5-2-3. The team works to defend in a mid block to absorb pressure before launching attacks when the opposition loses the ball. This formation is built to play a direct style that uses the width of the pitch to stretch the opponent.

Trubin stands in goal to command the area. The back five features Richard Ríos as the central defender, with Antonio Silva acting as a ball playing defender to his right and Otanendi as the left central defender. Dedic operates as a right wing back to provide width and overlap the winger, while Dahl acts as a left wing back to push into the final third. This unit works to maintain a narrow defensive block to protect the centre of the pitch.

The midfield relies on a double pivot consisting of Fredrik Aursnes and Leandro Barreiro. Aursnes works to press aggressively to win the ball high up the pitch, while Barreiro drops between the centre backs to receive and shield the defense. This pairing connects the defensive unit to the attack, with Barreiro acting as a deep lying playmaker to help the team progress through the thirds and recycle possession when needed.

The front line uses three attackers to pressure the opposition. Franjo Ivanovic acts as a pressing centre forward to pin the last defender and hold up the ball. Dodi Lukebakio and Andreas Schjelderup operate as inverted wingers who cut inside to search for space in the half spaces. Their movements create space for Dedic and Dahl to overlap and whip it in toward the far post.

A clear tactical advantage for SL Benfica is the compactness when defending in a mid block. The three central defenders and two midfielders make it very difficult for opponents to play through the lines or find gaps. Additionally, the team creates wide overloads from the attacking wing backs, which allows them to isolate wide players in one on one situations during a quick transition.

This 5-2-3 formation offers a reliable platform for teams to defend deep and counter at pace. It is perfectly suited for facing high pressing teams that leave significant space behind their back line.