Arouca vs Benfica
Portuguese Primeira Liga
Saturday
6th January 2024
Estádio Municipal de Arouca
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Portuguese Primeira Liga fixture between Arouca and Benfica.
Arouca vs Benfica: Preview
Arouca form analysis
The club has hit a good run of form in recent league matches. After a narrow 0-1 loss away to Sporting Braga on November 12th, Arouca bounced back with an emphatic 4-0 thrashing of Boavista on December 4th. A brace from Cristo González and further goals from Rafa Mújica and Jason gave Arouca a comfortable win. They then played out a competitive 2-2 home draw with Rio Ave on December 10th, overturning a two-goal deficit to earn a point. Arouca built on this momentum by securing a dominant 3-0 away win over Gil Vicente on December 16th, with a hat-trick from the in-form Rafa Mújica.
They ended 2023 with their biggest win of the season, demolishing Estrela 4-1 at home on December 29th. Jason, Javi Montero and substitute Bukia all got on the scoresheet in addition to another goal for Mújica. Overall, Arouca seems to have found their attacking groove, scoring 13 goals over their last five league games. Mújica has been instrumental with six goals during this run, while the supporting cast has also stepped up. If they can maintain this level of ruthlessness in front of goal while shoring up minor defensive issues, a top half finish could be achievable for an impressive Arouca side.
Benfica form analysis
Benfica has shown signs of finding form after a shaky run of results. They came from behind to beat rivals Sporting Lisbon 2-1 in a thrilling Lisbon derby on November 13th, with late goals from João Neves and C. Tengstedt completing the turnaround. Benfica then failed to capitalize on chances in a goalless draw away at Moreirense on December 3rd. They dropped more points in another 1-1 home draw against Farense on December 8th. Needing a second half Rafa equalizer to salvage a result.
However, Benfica seemed re-energized following that, grinding out an important 1-0 away win over Sporting Braga on December 18th thanks to an early Tengstedt strike. They ended 2023 on a high note, comprehensively beating Famalicão 3-0 at home on December 30th with goals from Arthur Cabral, Rafa and new signing P. Musa. Overall, Benfica has struggled with consistency but has shown improvement in recent matches. New manager Roger Schmidt’s high intensity tactics seem to be taking shape, with chances created and goals scored no longer a major issue. Continuing to fine-tune the defensive organization and focus will be critical as Benfica look to kick on during the second half of the season in the hunt for silverware.
