Benfica’s Champions League journey has been anything but smooth. After four straight losses, Mourinho’s men finally got a breather with a vital win over Ajax. That result kept their hopes flickering, but they remain outside the qualification zone. Mourinho’s side drew 1-1 with Sporting Lisbon last weekend, a match where Heorhiy Sudakov rescued a point late on. The Portuguese giants are still chasing consistency, but in Europe, their home record is worrying: just one win in their last twelve matches at Estádio da Luz. Can Mourinho change that narrative? It’s hard to say, but he’ll need every ounce of tactical brilliance to outsmart Conte.

Injuries haven’t helped Benfica’s cause. Alexander Bah, Bruma, and Dodi Lukebakio remain sidelined, yet Mourinho has options up front. Vangelis Pavlidis, the Greek striker in red-hot form domestically, is expected to lead the line again. Gianluca Prestianni, despite a recent sending-off, could feature before serving his suspension. Benfica’s problem isn’t creativity, it’s turning dominance into goals. Mourinho admitted after the Sporting draw that they “deserved more,” and he’s not wrong. Still, the clock is ticking for the Eagles to soar again in Europe.

Napoli, on the other hand, are soaring high. Conte’s men are unbeaten in five straight games across all competitions, including a statement win over Juventus that sent them back to the top of Serie A. In Europe, though, it’s been a mixed bag. They’ve lost their last four Champions League away matches, conceding fifteen goals in the process. That’s a stat that’ll keep Conte awake at night. Even so, his new 3-4-2-1 system seems to be clicking, with Rasmus Hojlund finding his scoring boots and David Neres thriving against his former club. The question is: can Napoli finally translate their domestic dominance into European success?

Conte’s side will again miss key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Anguissa, and Stanislav Lobotka. Yet, even with a depleted squad, Napoli’s spirit looks unshakable. Scott McTominay’s late heroics against Qarabag showed the team’s resilience under pressure. Their recent form, both mentally and physically, suggests they’re ready to dig deep in Lisbon. This one feels like a tense battle: Mourinho’s defensive discipline versus Conte’s direct, high-pressing energy. And in the end, Champions League Stats might just favor the Italians to avoid defeat.

Romelu Lukaku offered Napoli a boost as he completed an individual training session, signalling that his return from a long femoral injury is near. After four demanding months shaped also by personal loss, the Belgian striker conveyed optimism with a brief message: “See you soon.” Napoli expects him back either for the upcoming Udinese match or the Italian Super Cup commitments. Source: Gazzetta.it