The city of Lisbon holds its breath as one of football’s most passionate rivalries takes center stage. On Friday, December 5, 2025, Benfica hosts Sporting CP at the iconic Estádio da Luz for a monumental Lisbon Derby. This clash, kicking off Matchday 13 of the Primeira Liga, is more than just a game; it’s a battle for supremacy with huge implications for the title race.

With Sporting currently second in the table and Benfica a close third, the atmosphere is electric. Both teams are in formidable form, promising a spectacular contest for fans in Portugal and across the globe.

A High-Stakes Derby Showdown

This derby is perfectly poised. Sporting CP sits in 2nd place with 31 points, displaying incredible form with ten wins from twelve matches. Furthermore, their away record is flawless, boasting six wins from six games on the road.

Benfica, however, presents a formidable challenge. Under José Mourinho, they are one of only two teams yet to be defeated in the league this season. They trail their rivals by just three points, and a victory at home would see them draw level. Consequently, the stakes could not be higher for this primetime fixture.

Recent Form and Head-to-Head

Both clubs enter this match with impressive momentum. Sporting arrives with four wins and a draw in their last five matches, including a powerful 4-0 victory over Estrela Amadora. Similarly, Benfica is unbeaten in their last five, securing three wins and two draws.

History suggests a tight affair. The last five meetings have been perfectly balanced, with two wins for each side and one draw. However, Benfica can claim the most recent bragging rights, having secured a 1-0 win in the Super Cup back in July. This history adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming clash.

Team News and Key Players

Injuries and suspensions will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the outcome. Both managers have key decisions to make regarding their starting elevens.

Benfica Team News

The home side faces several injury concerns. They will be without key players, which could impact their defensive and attacking options.

• Out: Alexander Bah (cruciate ligament), Bruma (Achilles tendon), Dodi Lukebakio (broken ankle), and Henrique Araujo (muscle issue).
• Returning: Richard Rios is back from suspension and is expected to start in midfield.
• Player to Watch: Vangelis Pavlidis has been sensational, leading Benfica’s attack with 10 goals in 12 league games.

Sporting CP Team News

Sporting also has a significant absence in their backline, but welcomes back a crucial attacking threat.

• Out: Center-back Zeno Debast is sidelined with a knee injury.
• Returning: Pedro Gonçalves is expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested.
• Player to Watch: Luis Suárez is in red-hot form. The striker has nine league goals and has contributed three goals and an assist in his last two games alone.

Predicted Lineups

Given the team news, we expect both sides to field strong, attack-minded lineups in a 4-2-3-1 formation. (For the latest official team updates, visit the official Liga Portugal website).

Prediction: A Thrilling Encounter Awaits

This Lisbon Derby has all the ingredients of a classic. Both teams possess potent attacks and are in excellent form, making a clear winner difficult to predict.

Given the goal-scoring prowess on both sides, with stars like Pavlidis and Suárez leading the lines, “Both Teams to Score” appears to be a very likely outcome. Moreover, with three of the last four meetings ending in a draw after 90 minutes, a stalemate is a strong possibility. A 2-2 final score would not be a surprise. Benfica’s unbeaten domestic record also makes a “Double Chance” bet on the home side an interesting prospect.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the Dérbi de Lisboa is more than a football match; it’s a cultural event that captivates a nation. With both teams fighting at the top of the table and filled with confidence, fans should expect a tense, passionate, and high-quality affair at the Estádio da Luz. It’s a match you won’t want to miss.