Meta description: Nacional host Benfica at Estádio da Madeira on Saturday, 29 November 2025 (kick-off 18:00 UTC / 21:00 EAT). Get the latest team news, likely XIs, tactical battle, head-to-head context and a reasoned match prediction. Sofascore+1
Match snapshot
Fixture: C.D. Nacional vs S.L. Benfica — Primeira Liga (Liga Portugal).
Date: Saturday, 29 November 2025.
Kick-off: 18:00 UTC / 21:00 East Africa Time (Nairobi). Sofascore+1
Venue: Estádio da Madeira, Funchal (Nacional home). Sofascore
This weekend’s clash pairs Benfica — one of Portugal’s perennial title contenders — with Nacional, who will be desperate to use home advantage to pick up points and climb away from the lower half of the table. Expect a tactical, possibly one-sided possession battle, but one where the hosts can be dangerous on the counter and from set-pieces.
Why this game matters
Benfica are pushing to stay in the title race and must avoid slipping up on tricky away trips. Nacional, by contrast, see this as an opportunity to show resilience at home and collect crucial points to ease any relegation fears. Recent previews rank this as an important match for both clubs’ seasonal objectives. Sports Mole+1
Latest team news & injuries (what to watch)
Benfica: The Lisbon side arrive under public scrutiny after a recent public dressing-down from manager José Mourinho following a poor first-half showing in cup action — Mourinho demanded more attitude and accountability from his squad. Benfica have also been hit by injury news this month; reports indicate Dodi Lukébakio suffered a fractured ankle and will be out for an extended spell, reducing depth on the wing. Those problems influence Mourinho’s selection and game plan in Madeira. TalkSport+1
Nacional: Tiago Margarido’s team have picked up mixed results at Estádio da Madeira this season and are managing a handful of selection questions, particularly in goal and the attacking department where recent returns from injury could affect the starting XI. Nacional’s coach may prefer a compact, countering approach to frustrate Benfica and target quick breaks. Sports Mole+1
(Final teams are usually confirmed about an hour before kick-off on official club channels and live-score services.) ESPN.com
Probable XIs (informed projections)
Based on the latest published line-up predictions and injury bulletins, these are reasonable guesses for each starting XI:
Nacional (likely): Kaique (GK); João Aurélio, Chico Gonçalves, Leonardo Santos, José Gomes; Miguel Baeza, Matheus Dias, Liziero; Paulinho Boia, Witi, Jesús Ramírez. Sportsgambler+1
Benfica (likely): Anatoliy Trubin (GK); Amar Dedić, António Silva, Tomás Araújo, Samuel Dahl; Enzo Barrenechea, Fredrik Aursnes; Leandro Barreiro, Georgiy Sudakov, Vangelis Pavlidis (or Vangelis in more advanced role) with a central striker such as Pavlidis or another Mourinho pick depending on fitness. (Benfica’s exact attacking shape may vary.) Sportsgambler+1
Tactical battle — three keys to the game
1. Benfica’s midfield control vs Nacional’s transition speed
Benfica will try to dominate possession and probe for openings through quick central combinations. Nacional’s best route is to win second balls and spring fast counters to exploit space behind Benfica’s full-backs. Whoever controls transitions will create the clearest chances. FotMob+1
2. How Benfica cope without injured wide options
If internal reports on Lukébakio are accurate, Benfica lose some directness on the flank and set-piece threat — Mourinho may compensate by using overlapping full-backs or shifting the attacking emphasis centrally. Nacional must force Benfica wide and close down crossing lanes. portugoal.net+1
3. Set-pieces and aerial duels
Matches between teams at different levels of the table often hinge on dead-ball situations. Nacional will target long throws, corners and crosses toward their striker; Benfica will look to exploit superior movement and delivery from wide areas. Marking and organisation from both boxes will be crucial. FcTables+1
Form, head-to-head & context
Benfica have dominated this fixture historically — the H2H record strongly favours the visitors, with Benfica winning the majority of meetings — but cup upsets and tricky away conditions in Madeira mean the game shouldn’t be taken for granted. Recent form suggests Benfica remain favourites, but Nacional’s home performances make them a resilient opponent. FcTables+1
Players to watch
Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica): A typical focal point for Benfica’s attacking move — clinical finishes and movement inside the box make him dangerous. Sportsgambler
Miguel Baeza / Witi (Nacional): If Baeza is fit and involved, his ability to drive between lines and supply the striker gives Nacional an extra creative option. Witi’s pace is always a threat on the break. Sports Mole+1
Prediction
On paper Benfica should win — superior squad depth, quality and recent top-level consistency put them ahead — but expect a tense first half as Nacional try to frustrate and hit on counters. My reasoned scoreline: Benfica 2–0 Nacional (Benfica control possession but Nacional will force a few scares). If Mourinho’s team show the lapses of attitude he criticised, the match could be tighter. KickOff+1
Where to follow live
Live updates, confirmed starting line-ups and minute-by-minute action are available on Sofascore, FotMob, ESPN and official club channels — check those outlets for the teams announced about an hour before kick-off.
