Nacional vs Benfica: Battle for Pride

Historic Rivalry Renewed: Nacional vs Benfica

The Portuguese Liga is set for another thrilling encounter as Nacional welcomes Benfica to Estádio da Madeira (Choupana) on November 29, 2025. This match isn't just about three points—it's about history, pride, and Nacional's chance to end a remarkable 15-year drought against the Lisbon giants.

The Context: A Historic Drought

Nacional enters this match with a remarkable statistic: they haven't scored against Benfica since February 2013. The Madeiran team hasn't tasted victory against the Águias in over a decade, creating a psychological barrier that Tiago Margarido's side will be eager to overcome. This match represents more than just league points—it's about ending a significant historical drought and proving their mettle against Portugal's elite.

Team Lineups and Key Players

Both teams have announced their starting XI for what promises to be a competitive encounter. Nacional will be led by experienced players like Alan Nunez and Matheus Dias, while Benfica, under José Mourinho, features young talent Rodrigo Rêgo making his Liga debut. The Águias arrive on the back of their first European victory of the season, a 2-0 win over Ajax.

Benfica's lineup includes Trubin in goal, a back four of Dedic, António Silva, Otamendi, and Dahl, with Barrenechea and Aursnes controlling the midfield. The attack will be spearheaded by Pavlidis, with Rêgo, Barreiro, and Sudakov providing creative support.

Nacional, facing injuries to key players, will rely on Kaique in goal and a solid defensive unit featuring Zé Vítor and Léo Santos. The midfield trio of Miguel Baeza, Matheus Dias, and Igor Liziero will be crucial in disrupting Benfica's rhythm, while the attacking force of Nourani, Jesús Ramírez, and Paulinho Bóia will look to capitalize on any defensive lapses.

Weather Concerns and Stadium History

The Choupana stadium has a notorious reputation for fog, which has caused numerous match delays in the past. With forecasts suggesting potential visibility issues, both teams will need to adapt quickly if conditions deteriorate. This adds an unpredictable element to what is already a challenging fixture for Nacional.

Benfica historically dominates this fixture, having won 8 consecutive matches at Nacional's stadium. The Águias have won 17 of their last 23 encounters at the Choupana, making this a particularly daunting task for the home side.

Managerial Perspectives

Nacional's coach Tiago Margarido acknowledged the quality of Benfica under Mourinho, praising their "maturidade tática assinalável para o momento da época" and "plasticidade" in tactical approach. However, he also expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete:

"Para nós o importante é chegar ao final com o número de pontos necessários para atingir o grande objetivo que é a manutenção. É verdade que temo-nos saído melhor fora de casa, mas acredito que hoje podemos fazer um jogo muito competitivo, olhar nos olhos a espaços e tirar alguma coisa."

Mourinho, for his part, emphasized the importance of adapting to the absence of key player Richard Ríos, stating "Não há Ríos, há outro"—there's no Ríos, there's another—highlighting his team's depth and resilience.

What's at Stake

For Nacional, this match is about more than just ending a drought—it's about proving they can compete with Portugal's elite and securing crucial points in their battle against relegation. As Margarido noted, reaching the final with sufficient points "para atingir o grande objetivo que é a manutenção" is paramount.

For Benfica, it's about maintaining their momentum after their European victory and continuing their dominance in domestic fixtures. A victory would extend their impressive record at the Choupana and keep them firmly in the title race.

Conclusion: A Match of Contrasts

When Nacional face Benfica, it's a clash of contrasts: historic dominance against determined defiance, European pedigree against domestic resolve, and Mourinho's tactical acumen against Margarido's passion for his Madeiran side.

While the odds may be stacked against Nacional, football is full of surprises, and the atmosphere at a sold-out Estádio da Madeira could provide the perfect stage for an upset. Regardless of the outcome, this match promises to add another chapter to one of Portuguese football's most intriguing rivalries.