Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 13, 2024 1:08 am GMT
As the UEFA Champions League kicks off this season, Red Star Belgrade faces off against Benfica in a clash ripe with history and competitive spirit. Fans and analysts alike anticipate an exciting matchup on Thursday evening in the Serbian capital. This game not only marks a significant moment for both clubs but also sparks interest on how to watch this fixture live from anywhere around the globe.
Historic Rivalry Rekindled
Red Star Belgrade, known for its rich history and previous successes in European football, welcomes Benfica—a club with a storied past and enduring ambition. The last time these two teams met was on October 3, 1984, when Benfica secured a 2-0 victory in the European Cup. Although much has changed since then, the stakes remain high as each team looks to make an impact in the Champions League group stages.
As Red Star embarks on this new chapter, they do so with confidence after claiming their seventh consecutive Serbian title last season. They surged past Bodo/Glimt in the playoff round to qualify for this prestigious tournament, indicating they can still compete on an international scale, despite struggles in recent years.
Current Form and Key Players
Both teams come into this match with interesting narratives surrounding their lineups and current form.
Red Star Belgrade’s Lineup
Red Star is fielding a predominantly Serbian squad, and they are relatively injury-free heading into this crucial game. However, they will be missing goalkeeper Omri Glazer, who is sidelined with a leg injury, as well as defender Vladimir Lucic due to knee issues. Key threats for Red Star include:
- Bruno Duarte
- Mirko Ivanic
Their predicted lineup features a 4-2-3-1 formation:
- Ilic
- Mimovic, Lekovic, Drkusic, Seol
- Krunic, Elsnik
- Silas, Ivanic, Olayinka
- Duarte
Benfica’s Key Players
On the other side, Benfica has a slightly different outlook, with more established presence in the Champions League, yet they also face some injury challenges. Andre Gomes and Tiago Gouveia are dealing with minor injuries but are expected to return soon.
Star players for Benfica include:
- Ángel Di María
- Florentino Luis
- Orkun Koçku
Their predicted lineup will also adopt a 4-2-3-1 setup:
- Trubin
- Bah, Silva, Otamendi, Carrera
- Luis, Kokcu
- Di María, Rollheiser, Akturkoglu
- Cabral
The Stakes of the Match
This matchup represents an opportunity for both clubs to showcase their talent on a prestigious stage. While trips to Eastern Europe may not appear as overwhelming as they once were for visiting teams, they remain tricky. This contest could set the tone for the rest of the group stage, with each point heavily contested.
Benfica heads into the fixture with a respectable run, undeterred by an early-season loss. They are looking to assert their dominance and maximize their opportunities against a resilient Red Star side, which has historically been strong at home.
How to Watch
For fans eager to catch the action, Red Star Belgrade vs. Benfica will kick off at 5:45 p.m. BST on Thursday, September 19. While it may not be the most lauded fixture, there are ways for fans worldwide to engage with the game:
The match will be available for live streaming on Tabii. Though the service is geo-restricted to Turkey, viewers can easily bypass this limitation using a virtual private network (VPN).
Steps to Live Stream the Game for Free
- Choose a reliable VPN: Consider platforms like ExpressVPN that offer fast connections and reliable access.
- Download the VPN application: Ensure it’s compatible with your device (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, etc.).
- Connect to a server in Turkey: This will allow you to access Tabii’s streaming services.
- Sign in to Tabii: Create a free account if needed and begin watching the match live.
As always, it’s important to remember that while there are free ways to stream, securing a good VPN often requires a paid subscription, though many services do offer trials or money-back guarantees.
Looking Ahead
As the Champions League progresses, both clubs will hope to gain momentum from this crucial opening match. Benfica aims to reclaim its place among Europe’s elite, while Red Star strives to harness its local dominance for a surprising run in the tournament.
This Thursday night, fans, players, and clubs are in for an exciting game! It’s not just another match; it’s a chance to win and make history in European football. Get ready for some drama and fun!
