Champions League: Juventus vs. Benfica – probable line-ups and where to watch on TV

21.01.2026 12:47

Juventus host Benfica in Turin on Wednesday night for a decisive Champions League clash, with both sides aiming to strengthen their position heading into the final matchday of the league phase.

Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 local time at the Allianz Stadium.

Luciano Spalletti’s Juventus arrive in good shape from a fitness perspective, having avoided fresh injury concerns in recent outings. The Bianconeri will only be without Daniele Rugani, who is sidelined with a calf problem, and Dušan Vlahović, still recovering from a thigh injury. No Juventus players are suspended, although Andrea Cambiaso and Juan Cabal will need to tread carefully, as another booking would rule them out of next week’s trip to Monaco.

With Vlahović unavailable, Juventus will again look to Jonathan David to lead the line, supported by Weston McKennie and Kenan Yıldız. The latter has assisted in back-to-back Champions League games and already has four assists in the competition, underlining his growing influence in Europe.

TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 12: Jonathan David of Juventus FC celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Cremonese at Allianz Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Benfica travel to Italy with a handful of absentees but the core of their squad intact. Dodi Lukebakio remains out with an ankle injury, while Alexander Bah and Richard Ríos are also unavailable. Nicolás Otamendi is expected to start despite being one booking away from suspension.

Vangelis Pavlidis will spearhead the Portuguese side’s attack. The Greek striker has been prolific domestically, but will be eager to translate that form onto the European stage after a relatively quiet Champions League campaign so far.

Juventus vs. Benfica – where to watch on TV

The match will be shown live on TNT Sports 5 in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the United States. Football Italia will provide live coverage throughout the evening.

LISBON, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 05: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between SL Benfica and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at on November 05, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Juventus vs. Benfica – probable line-ups

Juventus (4-2-3-1):
Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceição, McKennie, Yıldız; David.

Benfica (4-2-3-1):
Trubin; Dedić, Otamendi, Araújo, Dahl; Barreiro, Aursnes; Prestianni, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.