Benfica have signed a new contract with central defender Ruben Dias, the new contract will take Dias to the end of the 2023/24 season and has a new buy out clause of €100M, an increase from his former clause by €34M. Dias has been linked in recent weeks with a move to Tottenham and the contract would add more money to Benfica's coffers if any club were to match Dias' new clause.
Dias is another graduate of Benfica's famous Seixal academy and has been a member of the clubs main squad since the beginning of 2017/18 season. Dias has appeared in 103 games for Benfica across all competitions, scoring on ten occasions while adding three helpers.
Benfica return to action in the Portuguese League and get set to take on Maritimo as they look to continue atop Portugal. Benfica last played a league game on November 9 against Santa Clara. Benfica
play Maritimo at home today at 6pm WEST.
Keepers- Vlachodimos, Ivan Zlobin
Defenders- Ferro, Alex Grimaldo, Jardel, Tomas Tavares, Andre Almeida, Nuno Tavares, Ruben Dias
Midfielders- Pizzi, Franco Cervi, Gedson Fernandes, Gabriel, Florentino, Taarabt Chiquinho, Caio Lucas
Forwards- Jota, Carlos Vinicius, Raul de Tomas
Former Benfica player Joao Felix has been awarded the 2019 Golden Boy Award following in the footsteps of Renato Sanches who won the award in 2016 as the second Benfica academy player and second Portuguese player to have been given the honour.
The Golden Boy award commenced in 2003 by Italian sports newspaper Tuttosport and is now voted on by 11 other newspapers across Europe, in total 40 journalists vote on the award. The Golden Boy award is given to a young footballer under the age of 21 who plays in Europe and who is perceived to have been the most impressive during the calendar year. The journalists vote on the Top 5 players with 10 points being awarded to the top vote getter, 7 points for second, 5 points for third, 3 for fourth and 1 for fifth. Joao Felix who made a move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid this summer for a club record €126M scored 18 goals for Benfica last season in all competitions and has chipped in two goals for Atletico this season before suffering an ankle injury. Felix was also a member of Portugal's 2019 League of Nations title.
Voting Results for the 2019 Golden Boy Award:
1- Joao Felix (Benfica/Atletico Madrid) 332 points
Country - Portugal
2- Jadon Sancho (B. Dortmund) 175 points
Country - England
3- Kai Havertz (B. Leverkusen) 75 points
Country - Germany
4- Erling Haaland (Red Bull Salzburg) 74 points
Country - Norway
5- Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax/Juventus) 71 points
Country - Netherlands
Benfica coughed up a two goal lead after the 89th minute to German side RB Leipzig ending any hopes of advancing to the round of 16 in Champions League action. The draw in Germany eliminated Benfica from progressing and the club will now need to win their last home game against Zenit to have any hope of remaining in UEFA this season and moving into the Europa League as the third place team in the group. The final round of games could result in many tie breaker scenarios which we will review at the end of the blog after the game recap.
Benfica came into the game knowing they needed a road win to keep their Champions League hopes alive after Zenit defeated Lyon in the earlier game. Benfica started the game on the right foot as Chiquinho tried his luck from range but his volley just went over the net two minutes in. Leipzig captain Forsberg then would get a break when Benfica midfielder Taarabt lost possession in a poor position but his effort sliced over the bar. The clubs continued to exchange chances in the first twenty minutes but it would be Benfica who would open the scoring when Pizzi would drill his shot into the bottom right corner to give Benfica a 1-0 lead. Leipzig would then look for the equalizer after a Benfica defensive error but Vlachodimos would be up for the challenge making the stop on Nkunku. Vlachodimos would be tested again within minutes first stopping a Forsberg low strike, he would follow that up with a spectacular palm save on Sabitzer from the center of the box as Leipzig took control of the game. Benfica though would come close to scoring before the half when a Pizzi curled shot would clip the post and go wide. The half would end with Benfica up 1-0 even though Leipzig controlled large portions of the first half.
Benfica get set for their fifth group game with slim hopes of advancing to the Round of 16 in the Champions League as they travel to Germany to take on RB Leipzig. Benfica currently sit in last spot of their group having only one win in their first four games. Benfica
play RB Leipzig on the road today at 8:00pm WEST.
Keepers- Vlachodimos, Ivan Zlobin
Defenders- Ferro, Alex Grimaldo, Jardel, Tomas Tavares, Andre Almeida, Ruben Dias, Nuno Tavares
Midfielders- Pizzi, Franco Cervi, Gedson Fernandes, Gabriel, Florentino, Taarabt, Chiquinho, Caio Lucas
Forwards- Jota, Carlos Vinicius, Raul de Tomas
Benfica have found out their opponents for next months round of 16 encounter in the Taca de Portugal as they get set to face Braga in what is the most intriguing game of the round of 16. Benfica will host their first game of the Taca tournament on December 19 after playing their first two games away from the Estadio da Luz, this round will see one of last seasons semi-finalists eliminated early from tournament play. Benfica and Braga last met in the same round of 16 back during the 2014/15 season which resulted in Braga eliminating Benfica by a 2-1 score on their way to finishing up as last seasons runner up.
Benfica are readying to make a return to Turin for the signing of Juventus keeper Mattia Perin who is close to regaining full fitness. Benfica came very close to acquiring the former Genoa keeper from Juventus during the summer transfer window but Perin failed a physical after traveling to Lisbon and the deal was called off or with the latest rumours coming from Italy looks more like it was put on hold. Perin was dealing with a shoulder injury but has resumed training and with Juventus' signing of former keeper Gianluigi Buffon, Perin has fallen to the third choice option. Benfica were willing to pay Juventus €15M for the acquisition of Perin while adding young right back Joao Fereira to the deal this summer but no numbers have been released if this deal would still be on the table. Benfica President LFV has already confirmed that the club will be looking for a keeper in January and Perin looks to be the clubs top choice to battle current number one Vlachodimos for playing time.
Benfica and Alex Grimaldo have agreed on a new contract that will go into the summer of 2023. Benfica and Grimaldo have been discussing a new contract since the start of the season and have finally got it done. Grimaldo's new contract will also include a €60M buy out clause for any interested parties that would be eyeing the 24 year old Spaniard. Grimaldo joined Benfica from Barcelona's B squad during the winter transfer window of 2016 and has appeared in 134 games for Benfica across all competitions. He has scored on eleven occasions while setting up twenty-six goals. Grimaldo has also won eight trophies as a member of Benfica, three of those being the League Championship.
Benfica scraped past ten man Vizela to advance to the Taca de Portugal round of 16 after a come from behind 2-1 victory, avoiding the embarrassment of losing to a minnow early in the tournament. Vizela opened the scoring just six minutes into the game when a Samu low shot found its way past Benfica keeper Zlobin. Vizela would then be a given a blow when midfielder Ericson Duarte was sent off at the 26th minute mark after receiving his second yellow card of the game within six minutes of receiving his first. Benfica though would fail to find their form in the first half as a tough defensive Vizela fought to protect their lead all the way to the end of the half. The second half would see striker Carlos Vinicius enter the game in place of Samaris as Benfica looked to get the equalizer. Chiquinho would get the clubs first real chance six minutes into the half but his attempt would be sent over the bar. Benfica would finally bring the game level with twenty minutes left when a low Jota cross would find striker Raul de Tomas who made no mistake tapping the ball pass Vizela keeper Cajo.
Then just two minutes later Grimaldo would send a high shot past the keeper who was beat on the play but he was unable to beat the bar as his shot rang off it. Benfica continued to press and a Caio Lucas' cross into the box would find the head of Carlos Vinicius but Vizela's Cajo would come up with a big stop to keep the game leveled, but Vinicius would not be denied on this night and just five minutes from time, Lucas would send Vinicius in on goal and the strong striker would fight off the pressure of Vizela defender Aidara and send a low shot into the far left corner to give Benfica a lead they would not relinquish and get the club into the round of 16. Benfica will now await to find out who their next opponents are in the tournament but a better performance would be expected by the club as the competition will only get tougher from here.
Benfica get set for Taca de Portugal action as they get set to take on Vizela in the fourth round of play. After the International break Benfica look to continue their fine form in Portugal and move onto the Round of 16 of the tournament. Benfica play Vizela on the road today at 8:45pm WEST.
Keepers- Vlachodimos, Ivan Zlobin
Defenders- Ferro, Alex Grimaldo, Jardel, Tomas Tavares, Andre Almeida, Conti, Nuno Tavares
Midfielders- Pizzi, Franco Cervi, Gedson Fernandes, Gabriel, Florentino, Samaris, Chiquinho, Caio Lucas
Forwards- Jota, Carlos Vinicius, Raul de Tomas
Benfica are interested in Gremio's 22 year old winger Pepe according to reports coming out from Brazilian media. Benfica are looking to shore up the left wing spot of their line up with regular starter Rafa Silva out for an extended period of time with an injury and with summer acquisition Caio Lucas failing to make his mark, Benfica have turned their attention to Brazil to fill the void. Pepe has been a member of the Gremio organization since the summer of 2016 and has appeared in 32 games across all competitions for the club this season. Pepe has scored seven times while adding one helper. Gremio is rumoured to want in excess of €15M for the rights to Pepe and Benfica will need to fend off the likes of PSG and Roma who have also been linked to the player if they are to land his rights during the winter transfer window.
Keaton Parks is on his way back to Benfica after an impressive loan spell with Major League Soccer club New York City FC. Parks will return to Portugal in December to join Benfica after completing his season long loan. The 22 year old defensive midfielder appeared in 26 games across all competitions for New York scoring once and setting up another. Parks joined Benfica in the summer of 2017 from Portuguese side Varzim but has spent most of his time in Portugal with Benfica's B squad, only appearing six times for the main squad for a total of just 101 minutes. Parks will likely return to the B squad after arriving in Lisbon as Benfica's defensive midfield role is pretty much locked down by the likes of Florentino, Fejsa and Samaris.
Benfica striker Seferovic has returned from International duty with Switzerland having sustained an injury in warm ups last Friday as the Swiss side was set to take on Georgia. Seferovic was immediately released by the Swiss and returned to Benfica for medical evaluation. Benfica have confirmed that Seferovic has suffered a left leg injury and will not be counted on for this weeks upcoming fourth round Taca de Portugal encounter against Vizela. Benfica will continue to evaluate Seferovic's injury and at this time he could miss a month of action but the club is still not certain the time line on the Swiss strikers injury. Seferovic's injury will open up more playing time for this summers acquisitions Carlos Vinicius and Raul de Tomas.
Benfica got some good news from the Rafa Silva injury front as the wingers recovery is going well and on schedule at this current time. Rafa who injured his middle adductor tendon in the clubs Champions League encounter against Lyon is responding positively to treatment but it is too early to tell when the 26 year old will return to competition. The medical staffs first assessment of the injury put Rafa back in action sometime in March but the medical staff are set to re-evaluate the injury by the end of next week hoping to get a more accurate return to action for the Portuguese International. This type of injury normally has a four month recovery time which would see Rafa in action with Benfica in February but Chiquinho suffered a similar injury earlier this season and returned in half the time which was two months. Injury recoveries tend to go on a case by case basis and Benfica's medical staff plan to follow all protocols to make sure that Rafa returns to action fully recovered.
Reports coming out of Turkey have Turkish club Besiktas ready to make a move for Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes when the January transfer window opens. The 20 year old Gedson is signed with Benfica until the summer of 2023 and unless Benfica are willing to complete a loan move with Besiktas it is unlikely that the Turkish side would meet Benfica's €60M price point for their Seixal academy produced player. Gedson has already appeared in 56 games for the Eagles across all competitions after making his squad debut in a Champions League qualifier last August against Fenerbahce. Gedson has scored three goals and set up seven in his Benfica career to date.
Benfica are in talks with Academica for striker Derik Lacerda according to reports from Portugal. Benfica who are looking to reinforce their U23 squad and B squad, feel that the 20 year old Lacerda would be a welcome addition to their club. Lacerda has appeared in 9 games for Academica in between the Second Division and the U23 squad in the Liga Revelacao scoring once. Lacerda joined Academica from Brazilian side Resende during the off season.
According to reports coming out of Portugal, Benfica winger Zivkovic is looking to terminate his contract with the club so that he can move on a free transfer when the January winter window opens. Zivkovic who has yet to appear in any games for Benfica this season has a contract with the Eagles until the summer of 2021 and Benfica are not open to letting the player walk for free but would consider a loan move if they are able to find a taker. Zivkovic has appeared in 84 games for Benfica across all competitions scoring eight times while setting up twenty-four goals since joining the club from Partizan Belgrade in 2016.
Benfica are looking at Fluminense winger Yony Gonzalvez who's contract will end with the Brazilian club at the end of the Brazilian league season in December. The 25 year old Colombian winger is being analyzed by Benfica to reinforce the club when the January transfer window opens on a free transfer. Gonzalvez has appeared in 37 games for Fluminense across all competitions, scoring eight goals while setting up another five. Reports from Portugal say that Benfica are willing to offer the free agent a €2M signing bonus and an annual salary of €700K. Gonzalvez was a former teammate of Porto summer signing Luis Diaz at Junior FC and a member of their Championship club.
The worlds national team squads are once again in
action this week and that means that many clubs are practicing without
their full squads as players get called up to their national sides, the
Under 20 sides and more. These are the current Benfica players away with
their national sides.
National Teams
Portugal - Pizzi, Ruben Dias
Switzerland - Seferovic
Greece - Vlachodimos
Morocco - Taarabt
Under 21 Teams
Portugal- Jota, Nuno Tavares, Tomas Tavares , Gedson Fernandes, Florentino
Belgium- Mile Svilar
Brazil- Morato
Benfica traveled to the Azores for their Week 11 encounter against Santa Clara as they looked to maintain their top spot in the league going into the International break. Benfica and their rock star arrival in Sao Miguel started off on the wrong foot when Santa Clara opened the scoring 18 minutes into the game as Carlos beat out Andre Almeida to a mid cross by Rafael Ramos to head Santa Clara into the lead. Benfica's first half was one of their poorer performances of the season as they struggled to complete passes and ended the half trailing by one with their only clear scoring chance being a Ruben Dias header in additional time at the keeper.
The second half started with striker Carlos Vinicius entering the game in place of Florentino as Benfica looked to add to their attack but it was Santa Clara who would get the first scoring chance of the half at the 50th minute when Rashid's outside shot was stopped by keeper Vladchodimos.
Benfica would then equalize just four minutes later as Pizzi's low cross went by a crowd of players ending up on the feet of substitute Vinicius who directed it into an empty net and the game was level. The next twenty minutes of the half was a back and forth affair with no real scoring threats, that was until the 78th minute when a poor clear by Santa Clara defender Cesar hit Andre Almeida and deflected to the feet of Seferovic who broke down the middle finding Pizzi to the left and the league's top scorer would make no mistake sending a low shot past keeper Marco to give Benfica the lead. The goal would energize Benfica and they looked to add to it just a minute later when Seferovic would take a hard shot just inside the box that was handled by Marco. Santa Clara though sent a chill through the Benfica faithful when Ukra's low shot from a long Rashid cross would go just inches from the far left post in additional time but that was as close as it would get as Benfica would come from behind to defeat Santa Clara 2-1. Benfica will now return to league action on November 30 after when they host Madeira club Maritimo.
Benfica look set to move center back German Conti when the January transfer window opens, the 25 year old center back has yet to appear in any game this season and has only appeared in ten games for Benfica across all competitions with one goal since joining the club in the summer of 2018 from Colon for €3.5M. The acquisition this summer of 18 year old Brazilian center back Morato looks to have all but ended Conti's Benfica time. Morato has had strong performances in his appearances for Benfica in the UEFA Youth League, playing in all four games and has also appeared in three games with Benfica's B squad. Morato looks to be the heir apparent to join the main club when the departure of Ruben Dias or Ferro arrives in the future. Benfica acquired Morato from Brazilian side Sao Paulo for €6M.
Benfica return to league play with an upcoming tilt on the road against Azorian club Santa Clara as they look to get back to their winning ways and maintain their league lead before the International break kicks in. The
game
will take place today at 6pm WEST and 18 players from the list below
will
dress for the game.
Keepers- Vlachodimos, Ivan Zlobin, Mile Svilar
Defenders- Ferro, Alex Grimaldo, Jardel, Tomas Tavares, Andre Almeida, Ruben Dias
Midfielders- Pizzi, Franco Cervi, Gedson Fernandes, Gabriel, Florentino, Taarabt, Chiquinho, Caio Lucas
Forwards- Seferovic, Jota, Carlos Vinicius, Raul de Tomas
Benfica are currently replacing the field at Estadio da Luz for the third time since June as they club looks for a field that will assist the club playing their brand of football more smoothly. Benfica has received complaints from the squads players and visiting clubs about the pitches poor condition this season. Manager Bruno Lage has also gone as far as saying that the poor pitch may have been a contributing factor to the clubs recent rash of injuries this season. Benfica will not play a home game at the Estadio da Luz again until November 30 so the club made the decision to have the current pitch ripped out and replaced.
Benfica manager Bruno Lage is glad to be seeing the old pitch gone and hopes the replacement works for the clubs style but more importantly Lage admits that the health of his players and of visiting players has always been his main concern.
Benfica's Swiss striker Haris Seferovic is being linked with a move to Italian side Roma according to reports coming from Italy. Roma who are currently managed by Portuguese Paulo Fonseca are looking for an alternative to 33 year old Edin Dzeko and with currently loanee Nikola Kalinic failing to impress have turned their attention to the Lisbon side. The 27 year old Seferovic signed a new contract with Benfica over the summer that puts him under Benfica control until the 2024 season, the new deal also includes a €60M buy out clause. Seferovic joined Benfica on a free transfer in the summer of 2017 and won the golden boot in the Portuguese league last season with 23 goals. Seferovic has appeared in 96 games for Benfica across all competitions, scoring 38 goals while setting up 13. Benfica who have already earned an enormous amount during the summer transfer window will be looking to cash in on the big Swiss striker which may not bode well for Roma's ambitions.
Benfica are set to launch their own streaming service called "Benfica Play" in December. Executive director Domingos Soares de Oliveira said that Benfica Play will be similar to Netflix and will give the clubs fans exclusive access to the clubs backstage content which would include dressing room conversations and training sessions. The streaming service will be fully dedicated to Benfica content with a goal of bringing the fans closer to the club. Soares also made it clear the Benfica Play would be separate from Benfica TV and that the streaming service would not be showing any live content. There was not any pricing for the new streaming service released and if fans from outside Portugal will be able to subscribe to the service.
Benfica traveled to France to face Lyon just two weeks after earning their first victory in their Champions League campaign against the same French side but the club fell behind early and could not recover losing 3-1. This was Benfica's third loss in four contests, making their outlook for progression to the Champions League round of 16 less likely. Bruno Lage continued to tinker with his starting lineup dressing a squad with an average age of 22.7 years for the contest while regular starters Pizzi, Andre Almeida and Seferovic watched from the sidelines. Benfica President Luis Filipe Vieira's Champions League plan for the club may be to show off the academies developing players then actually trying to win contests, which is disappointing for the legion of the clubs fans across the globe who have watched smaller sides like Ajax and Monaco make runs over the last few years.
Lyon would open the scoring quick just four minutes into the game when a Dubois cross landed in between Benfica keeper Vladchodimos and his defenders, Lyon center back Andersen would get a head on it, thumping the ball into the back of the net to give Lyon the lead. Aouar would then send a cross towards goal at the twelve minute mark and as Vladchodimos rushed off his line to punch it clear he collided with center back Ferro, knocking the youngster out of the game with what appeared to be a concussion, Ferro was attended to by the medical staff and taken off on a
stretcher, he was replaced by veteran Jardel. Lyon would then get a chance to double their lead halfway through the first half as Aouar found Dembele but the striker's touch was too heavy and Vladchodimos was there to claim the ball.
Benfica continue their busy schedule of
games as they travel to France to take on Lyon in their fourth game of the Champions League. Benfica will be looking for another win against Lyon as they try to climb out of the basement of their group and into a qualifying spot in the round of 16. The
game
will take place today at 8pm WEST and 18 players from the list below
will
dress for the game.
Keepers- Vlachodimos, Ivan Zlobin, Mile Svilar
Defenders- Ferro, Alex Grimaldo, Jardel, Tomas Tavares, Andre Almeida, Ruben Dias, Nuno Tavares
Midfielders- Pizzi, Franco Cervi, Gedson Fernandes, Gabriel, Florentino, Taarabt, Chiquinho
Forwards- Seferovic, Jota, Carlos Vinicius, Raul de Tomas
Benfica have ended a run of three league games in seven days, gaining maximum points in all their encounters and vaulting the Lisbon club into top spot in all of Portugal two points in front of second place side FC Porto and four points in front of third place Famalicao. Benfica kicked off their busy campaign with a uninspiring 1-0 victory over Tondela on the road, were an early Ferro header helped Benfica escape with the victory. Benfica manager Bruno Lage would then make five changes to the starting eleven as Benfica would host Portimonense mid-week. The changes seemed to spark Benfica offensively as the club cruised to a 4-0 win as Carlos Vinicius earning his first league start, lead the way with a brace while Andre Almeida and Ruben Dias scored the other markers. Benfica left back Grimaldo chipped in three helpers in his man of the match performance.
This victory along with an FC Porto draw in Madeira against Maritimo vaulted Benfica into top spot in the league. Benfica would then end their week with another home tilt this time against Rio Ave, earning another clean sheet and their eighth of the season in a 2-0 victory, Pizzi and Ruben Dias would score for the league leading Eagles. Benfica will now turn their focus to tomorrows Champions League encounter against Lyon as they look to escape the basement of their group hoping to hand the French side another loss.
Benfica continue their busy week of games with a home encounter against Rio Ave in Week 10, Benfica who now sit in top spot in the league after Week 9's midweek games. This weekends
game
will take place today at 6pm WEST and 18 players from the list below will
dress for the game.
Keepers- Vlachodimos, Ivan Zlobin
Defenders- Ferro, Alex Grimaldo, Jardel, Tomas Tavares, Andre Almeida, Ruben Dias, Nuno Tavares
Midfielders- Pizzi, Franco Cervi, Gedson Fernandes, Gabriel, Florentino, Taarabt, Samaris, Chiquinho
Forwards- Seferovic, Jota, Carlos Vinicius
Benfica's upcoming Taca de Portugal 4th round game against Vizela has been set, the game will take place November 23 at the Estadio Futebol Clube Vizela. Benfica and Vizela will meet for the first time ever in the Taca de Portugal. Benfica won their 3rd round Taca de Portugal encounter against Cova da Piedade, while Vizela defeated Casa Pia to move into the 4th round of the competition.
