Richard Ríos and Rafa at risk of losing their starting positions at Benfica.

Benfica on the brink of a revolution in the starting eleven: Mourinho faces explosive dilemma for the derby against Sporting

The coach of Benfica, José Mourinho, is preparing for a decision that could shake up the structure of the midfield and attack of the eagles at the most critical moment of the season. With the Lisbon derby scheduled for this Sunday at Alvalade, a decisive clash in the fight for second place in the league, the Portuguese coach is forced to choose between key players in the starting lineup, in a tactical battle that promises to stir the Benfica universe.

After a season start marked by limitations in midfield — a situation that forced him to rely on a somewhat controversial duo, Richard Ríos and Barrenechea, against Casa Pia — Mourinho now has a significantly richer and more qualified array of options. The recovery of Norwegian midfielder Fredrik Aursnes, who already came on in the second half of the match against Nacional, suggests his guaranteed starting position for the classic against the lions. Aursnes is, without a doubt, the player Mourinho trusts most to take control of the midfield in decisive moments.

Alongside Aursnes is the Luxembourger Florent Hasani Barreiro, the “little ant” of the midfield, whose signing, after years of experience in the Bundesliga, aimed precisely to strengthen the central or defensive midfield position. Mourinho has repeatedly praised the quality and impact of these two players, making it almost impossible to do without one of them unless for last-minute physical reasons.

But this is where the scenario complicates for Richard Ríos and Rafa Silva — two of the team’s biggest references, but who now see their starting positions seriously threatened. With Pavlidis untouchable in the attack and the young Schjelderup and Prestianni flourishing on the flanks, the choice for the last spot in midfield or on the wing may fall between these two players.

At first glance, substituting Ríos might seem the most obvious — after all, the Colombian is no stranger as an alternative and Mourinho could opt for a “like-for-like” swap. However, Ríos has been a driving force for Benfica, standing out as the best player in the draw against Casa Pia and remaining influential in the victory over Nacional. With physical stature and the ability to play behind the striker, a position he has dominated since his days in Brazil, Ríos is not a name that can be easily dismissed.

On the other hand, Rafa Silva, despite not being at his best and at times appearing disconnected from the team, remains a key figure in high-pressure games. He recently scored against Nacional and is known for stepping up in the most important moments of the season — but even that does not guarantee him a place over the possibility of being relegated to the substitutes’ bench.

Thus, the Benfica-Sporting derby this Sunday will not only be a battle between historic rivals, but also a scene of internal tension where Mourinho will have to make painful choices. The decision on who will be left out — Richard Ríos or Rafa Silva — could determine not only the outcome of the game, but also the team’s direction in the final stretch of the season. For Benfica fans, the anxiety couldn’t be greater: who will come out losing in this battle of choices? The classic promises intense emotions both on and off the pitch.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.