The stakes couldn’t be higher for Juventus and Benfica this week, as both teams are in desperate need of points to punch their tickets to the next round.
Juventus, nicknamed “The Old Lady,” head into this decisive showdown with a mixed bag of recent results, drawing three of their last four games. Their attacking struggles were on full display in last week’s goalless stalemate against Club Brugge, leaving fans and critics alike raising eyebrows.
On the other hand, Benfica is also in survival mode, needing at least a draw to secure a spot in the playoffs. The Portuguese giants haven’t exactly been lighting up the scoreboard, managing just one win in their last seven outings.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Juventus vs. Benfica live stream, TV channel
This game is not available for live TV broadcasts. Streaming options are available on Paramount+, which is offering a FREE trial for new subscribers.
What time does Juventus vs. Benfica kick off?
This Champions League clash takes place at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy and kicks off on Wednesday, January 29 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Wed, Jan. 29 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Wed, Jan. 29 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Wed, Jan. 29 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Wed, Jan. 29 | 12:00 p.m. |
Juventus vs. Benfica predicted lineups, team news
Juventus will be without Randal Kolo Muani for their Champions League clash with Benfica, as the striker is ineligible for the league phase.
Despite scoring four goals in six Champions League games, Dusan Vlahovic remains out of favor due to “technical issues,” with Nico Gonzalez likely to continue as a false nine. Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceicao have returned from injury to bolster the attack, but Andrea Cambiaso, Arkadiusz Milik, Juan Cabal, and Bremer remain sidelined.
Juventus predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Di Gregorio (GK) — Savona, Kalulu, Gatti, McKennie — Luiz, Thuram — Yildiz, Koopmeiners, Mbangula — Gonzalez
Injuries: Bremer, Cabal, Milik
Suspensions: None
Benfica’s attack will be led by Vangelis Pavlidis, who recently scored a hat-trick despite a losing effort. Angel Di Maria, their top scorer this season with 14 goals, will face his former club Juventus, where he played two years ago.
However, Benfica remains without Tiago Gouveia (knee) and Renato Sanches (thigh), while Alvaro Carreras and Arthur Cabral are suspended.
Benfica predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Trubin (GK) — Araujo, Otamendi, Silva, Bah — Aursnes, Luis — Di Maria, Kokcu, Schjelderup — Pavlidis
Injuries: Gouveia, Sanches
Suspensions: Alvaro Carreras, Arthur Cabral
Juventus vs. Benfica Prediction
Benfica have been potent in attack, averaging two goals per game in this Champions League campaign, but Juventus’ solid defensive setup could pose a challenge.
The key for the hosts will be finding consistency in the final third, and if they can exploit Benfica’s vulnerable defence, they should secure the win. A victory for Juventus would leave Benfica’s hopes hinging on results elsewhere.
- Prediction: Juventus 2-1 Benfica
Champions League fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Wednesday, January 29
- Aston Villa vs. Celtic (3:00 p.m.)
- Barcelona vs. Atalanta (3:00 p.m.)
- Bayer Leverkusen vs. Sparta Prague (3:00 p.m.)
- Bayern Munich vs. Slovan Bratislava (3:00 p.m.)
- Borussia Dortmund vs. Shakhtar Donetsk (3:00 p.m.)
- Brest vs. Real Madrid (3:00 p.m.)
- Dinamo Zagreb vs. AC Milan (3:00 p.m.)
- Girona vs. Arsenal (3:00 p.m.)
- Inter Milan vs. Monaco (3:00 p.m.)
- Juventus vs. Benfica (3:00 p.m.)
- Lille vs. Feyenoord (3:00 p.m.)
- Manchester City vs. Club Brugge (3:00 p.m.)
- PSV vs. Liverpool (3:00 p.m.)
- Red Bull Salzburg vs. Atlético Madrid (3:00 p.m.)
- Sporting CP vs. Bologna (3:00 p.m.)
- Sturm Graz vs. RB Leipzig (3:00 p.m.)
- Stuttgart vs. PSG (3:00 p.m.)
- Young Boys vs. Red Star Belgrade (3:00 p.m.)
