Benfica announce the departure of Jorge Jesus

Benfica have announced the departure of Jorge Jesus after both parties agreed to mutually rescind the remaining time of Jesus' contract earlier today. Benfica informed the Portuguese securities market commission (CMVM) of the move and it was also announced that current Benfica B manager Nelson Verissimo will be taking over as manager for the remainder of the season.

The writing has been on the wall for Jesus for the past month and the final straw seemed to happen yesterday when he told Pizzi to leave training after he was unhappy with the Benfica midfielder's comments after the clubs Taca de Portugal loss to FC Porto. The clubs players took exception to Jesus' request and refused to continue training with him. Benfica President Rui Costa got involved to restore order to the training session but realized that Jesus had lost the dressing room.

Jesus' return to Benfica did not produce the expected effects after the club spent a record haul last summer bringing in players only to see the club finish in third position in the league which is where the currently sit this season. Jesus won three league titles in his first go around with Benfica but leaves the club trophy less in his second stiny. Jesus is expected to return to Brazil where he managed Flamengo.

Benfica will continue to pay Jorge Jesus until his contract runs out at the end of the season or until he signs a contract with another club which ever comes first.  

Rui Costa checks in on Andre Pirlo

Benfica President Rui Costa has reached out to former Juventus manager Andre Pirlo who is currently without club, to check on his availability according to reports from Italian website Calciomercato. Costa did not make any formal offer to Pirlo but looks to be preparing for life after Jorge Jesus the clubs current manager who has been heavily linked with a move back to Brazilian club Flamengo.

The same site also has managers Paulo Fonseca and Nuno Espirito Santo linked with the Benfica job. Benfica face arch rivals FC Porto on Thursday in a league game and another loss would prove costly in their quest to regain the league title and it should also mark the end of Jorge Jesus' tenure with the club, which has to yield anything of significance to the club in the form of hardware.

Benfica's 12 days of Christmas

With the holiday season upon us, we spend plenty of time with loved ones, sharing food and drink while we are flooded with classic Christmas specials and Holiday songs, I take a crack at an old time classic with the 12 days of Christmas for Benfica fans this season. Don't forget to sing along as here we go....

On the first day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

A new manger on the sidelines

On the second day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Two younger center backs
and a new manger on the sidelines

On the third day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines

On the fourth day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Four signed jerseys
Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines

On the fifth day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

FIVE goals against Sporting
Four signed jerseys
Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines

On the sixth day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Six sliding tackles
FIVE goals against Sporting
Four signed jerseys
Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines

On the seventh day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Seven fans a singing
Six sliding tackles
FIVE goals against Sporting
Four signed jerseys
Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines

On the eighth day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Eight headed balls
Seven fans a singing
Six sliding tackles
FIVE goals against Sporting
Four signed jerseys
Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines

On the ninth day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Nine quick passes
Eight headed balls
Seven fans a singing
Six sliding tackles
FIVE goals against Sporting
Four signed jerseys
Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines

On the tenth day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Ten player nutmegs
Nine quick passes
Eight headed balls
Seven fans a singing
Six sliding tackles
FIVE goals against Sporting
Four signed jerseys
Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines

On the eleventh day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Eleven straight wins
Ten player nutmegs
Nine quick passes
Eight headed balls
Seven fans a singing
Six sliding tackles
FIVE goals against Sporting
Four signed jerseys
Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines

On the twelfth day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Twelve personalized photos
Eleven straight wins
Ten player nutmegs
Nine quick passes
Eight headed balls
Seven fans a singing
Six sliding tackles
FIVE goals against Sporting
Four signed jerseys
Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines,
and A NEW manager on the SIDELINES...

Benfica wont win anything with Jesus at the helm

Benfica's struggles against their Portuguese rivals does not seem to have an end in sight after suffering another humbling defeat at the hands of FC Porto that has sent them crashing out of the Taca de Portugal competition earlier today. Jorge Jesus' return to Benfica has been marred in embarrassment and disappointment when it comes to Benfica's rivals FC Porto and Sporting.

Jorge Jesus' has recorded one lone victory since making his Benfica return in the summer of 2020 against the two clubs that all fans would like to see the Lisbon side defeat over and over. That lone victory was a meaningless win in the second last week of the season over Sporting after their cross town rivals had already clinched the league title for the first time in almost twenty years.

Benfica's record since Jesus' return against FC Porto and Sporting is a disappointing 1-2-4 across all competitions and if this type of form continues, it all but assures that the club will more then likely not capture anything of substance with Jesus at the helm. Brazilian side Flamengo have been in Lisbon the past week, with the hopes of bringing their former manager back to Brazil. I say to the Benfica board that the opportunity to leave the gate open and let the old dinosaur escape is finally at hand but will they listen.... only time will tell.

Benfica looking at Braga defender

Benfica will be looking for a center back when the transfer window opens to replace starting center back Lucas Verissimo who was lost for the season in November and the latest center back linked to the club is Braga's Bruno Viana. According to reports from Goal.com's Brazilian site, one of the possibilities for Benfica is the 26 year old who's loan spell with Brazilian side Flamengo will finish at the end of the month.

Viana is an experienced Portuguese League player having appeared in 150 games for Braga across all competitions since joining the Minhotos first on loan from Olympiacos in the summer of 2017 and then on a permanent basis just one year later. Braga manager Carlos Carvalhal does not count on Viana for his squad and Benfica could be able to land an experienced league player for a bargain basement price if they chose to go in this direction in January.

Everton unhappy with role at club

According to reports coming out of Portugal, Brazilian winger Everton Cebolinha is said to be unhappy with his current role at Benfica and the players agent confirmed this in a recent interview with news outlet Record. Marcio Cruz expressed his dissatisfaction and that it is not out of the question to look at alternative options for the 25 year old winger when the transfer market opens. German side Dortmund has already been linked with the player.

Everton's dream of shining in Europe has yet to come to fruition as the former Gremio star has only had moments of brilliance in his time at Benfica. Everton joined the club in the summer of 2020 for a hefty €20M price tag and has appeared in 73 games across all competitions, scoring twelve goals while setting up an additional sixteen. Everton has experienced a diminished role this season thanks to a front trio of Rafa Silva, Darwin Nunez and Seferovic/Yaremchuk combo ahead of him.

Benfica advance to Taca da Liga semi-finals

Benfica went into their final group game against Covilha requiring three goals to top their group and give them the tiebreaker edge over Guimaraes and the club did just that defeating the second division side 3-0 at the Estadio da Luz. Benfica got a pair of goals from Darwin Nunez who maintained his torrid scoring pace to the season, scoring goals number 13 and 14 on the season.

Swiss striker Haris Seferovic chipped in the other converting a nifty pass from youngster Goncalo Ramos to open the scoring. Benfica will now face either Braga or Boavista depending on the outcome of tomorrow's game in one semi-final which is set to take place January 26, 2022. Sporting and Santa Clara are set to meet in the other semi-final. Leiria will be this years host of the Final Four of the Taca da Liga.

Benfica to face Real... no its Ajax

Benfica have found out their round of 16 Champions League opponents in a weird day at UEFA headquarters that saw the draw take place twice due to an error during the first draw. UEFA voided the draw after mistakenly drawing Manchester United against their group opponents Villarreal and then failing to replace United once the initial error was corrected.

Benfica drew Spanish giants Real Madrid in the initial draw but the redo saw them paired up with Dutch club Ajax in a clash that will pit two of Europe's former giants. Benfica will host the first leg of the encounter at the Estadio da Luz on February 23 and then travel to Amsterdam for the second leg on March 15. The two clubs face off for the first time since the 2018/19 Champions League group stage.

Benfica raking in the dough in Champions League

Benfica's win over Dynamo Kiev earlier this week and the clinching of a spot in the Champions League round of 16 sees the club near an all time high for earnings in the UEFA competition. Benfica have earned €54.3M to date in the competition, only surpassed by the €56.8M during the 2018/19 campaign which was the first season of the competitions new revenue sharing plan.

Benfica could add an additional €10.6M if the club is to advance past the round of 16 to the quarter-final stage. The current earnings do not include TV revenue which is awarded at the conclusion of the season based on the value of Portugal's TV market and shared between Benfica, Sporting and FC Porto who were all participants in the group stage portion.

Benfica win to advance to round of 16 in Champions League

Benfica did their part and got a some help to advance to the Champions League round of 16 for the first time since the 2016/17 edition of the tournament. Benfica scored a pair early goals in the first 22 minutes of the game and held on to defeat Dynamo Kiev 2-0. Across the continent in Munich, Bayern provided the assist that the Lisbon club needed when they defeated Barcelona 3-0, moving Benfica one point ahead of the Spanish side and into the knockout stages.

Benfica will earn an additional €9.6M for advancing out of the group stage and into the final 16, they will be joined by Sporting who also advanced as group runners up. Benfica will find out their opponents in February on Monday December 13 when the UEFA draw takes place. Benfica will avoid German giants Bayern Munich but that still leaves one of the following seven, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool, Juventus, Lille and Ajax as the clubs next opponents.

Benfica ready to loan youngsters again

According to Portuguese daily A Bola, Benfica will be slimming down the squad when the transfer window opens in January with the likely loan departures of Seixal made youngsters Gedson Fernandes and David Ferro. The 24 year old Ferro and 22 year old Gedson have appeared in only 177 minutes combined across all competitions this season and the club feels that the two sitting does no good to their values going forward.

Gedson has already spent the prior season and a half on loan with Tottenham and Galatasaray, while Ferro spent half of last season on loan at Valencia. Benfica have their eyes on acquiring a center back during the winter window to add some depth to the squad after the season ending injury on the back end to Lucas Verissimo and manager Jorge Jesus prefers to have the minimum amount of players on the practice field when he prepares for matches.

Benfica have important month ahead

After a disappointing loss to Sporting where the club was just not clinical in front of their Lisbon rivals goal, Benfica have a very important month ahead which if they falter could see the end of Jorge Jesus' run as the manager of the club. Benfica will face Dynamo Kiev this week at the Luz in a must win game and hope that Barcelona either loses or draws against Bayern Munich to advance to the Champions League round of 16.

Benfica will then take on Famalicao in league play on the weekend before a crucial League Cup game against Covilha mid month in which they will need a victory by three or more goals to win their group and advance to the semi-finals. Benfica will face off against Maritimo in another league game at home before playing two crucial games against rival FC Porto, one on the 23rd in the Taca de Portugal round of 16 and the other on the 30th in league action with both games being played at Porto's Dragao.

A decision into Jorge Jesus' time at Benfica may be decided by the results that the club is able to obtain under his command this month. It is crucial that Benfica get the better of their arch rivals FC Porto something that Jesus has not been able to obtain for the club since his return to Benfica winning only one of six encounters in the Classico. Benfica fans showed the manager their displeasure Friday when they waved the famous white towel at the conclusion of the Lisbon Derby which caught the attention of  Benfica's upper management.

Newcastle will need to wait on Vlachodimos

According to Portuguese paper O Jogo, Benfica starting keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos is on the radar of Premiership club Newcastle who would like to acquire the Greek International when the winter transfer window opens next month. Newcastle are open to beginning talks with Benfica shortly but the Lisbon side is said to not be interested in discussing any move for the clubs current number one until the end of the current season.

Vlachodimos spent his youth career at Stuttgart before moving on to join Greek club Panathinaikos on a free transfer in the summer of 2016. Benfica scouts were impressed with the now 27 year old's performances with the Greek outfit and Benfica made the move to acquire Vlachodimos in the summer of 2018 for €2.4M. Vlachodimos has appeared in 142 games across all competitions since joining the club and maintained 58 clean sheets while capturing one League title and a Super Cup.

Barcelona still locked on Benfica left back Grimaldo

Barcelona have locked onto Benfica left back Alex Grimaldo as the heir apparent to long time starting left back Jordi Alba who will be 33 before seasons end. Barcelona had been linked previously with their former home grown talent when Ronald Koeman was at the helm but the change in manager to Xavi has only intensified the clubs desire to land Grimaldo for next season after his display against the club in Champions League action.

Grimaldo left Barcelona's B team in the winter of 2016 for a mere €2.1M and has been Benfica's regular starting left back since the 2017/18 season. Grimaldo has appeared in 223 career games with the club across all competitions, scoring 16 goals while setting up an additional 45. Benfica are intent on holding onto the 26 year old Spaniard as they await a minimum bid of €25M-€30M to consider letting him depart.

 

Benfica and FC Porto set to clash in Taca de Portugal

Benfica and FC Porto will take their rivalry to the Taca de Portugal after both clubs were drawn together yesterday for the round of 16. The game will take place at Porto's Estadio do Dragao with a firm date yet to be set but the encounter will happen just before the holiday season kicks in, anywhere from December 21st to the 23rd.

Benfica and FC Porto will be facing off in the Taca for the 37th time with Benfica leading the head to head encounters 21-10, with 5 games ending in a draw. The last time the two clubs met in the competition was in the Final two seasons back a 2-1 FC Porto victory. The two clubs last encounter in the round of 16 happened way back in 2000-01 edition which was also a victory for FC Porto.

Benfica need help to advance to round of 16

It has now been more then 24 hours since the miss heard around the world in yesterdays Champions League group stage as Swiss striker Haris Seferovic missed a sure winner in injury time that would have seen Benfica leap over Barcelona and into second spot of their Champions League group going into their last group game in December at home against Dynamo Kiev. The miss was so upsetting that I could not even write about the game yesterday as like many Benfica fans I required a cool off period.

The good news for Benfica, Seferovic and the fans is that Benfica still have a shot at second place for a spot in the round of 16 but will require a little help from German giants Bayern Munich. The simple equation for qualification is that Benfica need a win against Dynamo Kiev and require a loss or draw by Barcelona in Munich, if Benfica fail to win they will head over to the Europa League. Benfica does hold the tiebreaker over Barcelona from their head to head encounters if the two clubs are to finish tied in points.

Benfica face biggest test of the season to date

Benfica travel to Spain to take on Barcelona in Champions League action on Tuesday in what may very well be the deciding game of who gets out of the group stage joining Bayern Munich in the round of 16 as both clubs look to get the better of the other. The two clubs are separated by just two points with Barcelona in front but Benfica go into the Catalonia capital, confident after trashing the Spanish giants in Lisbon 3-0 in their first group game encounter.

Simply said a Barcelona victory eliminates any hope of Benfica moving on from the group stage to the lucrative round of 16, while a draw will require Benfica to win their final game at home against Dynamo Kiev and rely on the help of group leaders Bayern Munich to avoid a loss at the hands of Barcelona on their own home turf. Benfica could make the matter simple by just winning their final two group stage games which will get them into the round of 16 for the first time since the 2016/17 edition.

Benfica will face a Barcelona squad lead by a new man on the sidelines after the dismissal of manager Ronald Koeman, as club legend Xavi has taken over the role, managing in just his first game yesterday. This game may very well come down to tactics over skill as can the wily veteran Jorge Jesus get the better of the young road runner Xavi in a game that means a huge deal to both clubs and fan bases.

Benfica to test Andre Almeida at center back

Benfica are flirting with the idea of giving right back Andre Almeida a shot in the center back position to help fill the void caused by the season ending injury suffered to regular starter Lucas Verissimo. Benfica will look to add a center back when the transfer window opens but with a flurry of games over the next six weeks, Benfica will be looking within its squad to shore up the back end until then.

Almeida is Benfica's longest serving player, joining the club in the summer of 2011 and has appeared in 291 games across all competitions, scoring eleven goals while adding forty-one helpers. The move would give the 31 year old a chance at regular minutes with a log jam developing in the right back position as Benfica currently have the option of using up to five current rostered players at right back including Almeida.

Benfica not prepared to let Darwin leave for peanuts

With the January transfer window just around the corner the name of Benfica striker Darwin Nunez has started to heat up the news wire as some of Europe's bigger clubs have their names linked with the acquisition of the Uruguayan international. Benfica President Rui Costa has already made it clear that the club has no interest in moving the 22 year old during the winter window and that clubs will need to wait until the summer before the club would consider discussing any move away from Lisbon.

Nunez joined Benfica in the summer of 2020 for a club record €24M from Spanish club Almeria and has appeared in 57 games across all competitions, scoring 22 goals while setting up an additional 14. Nunez currently has a €150M buy out clause which would be difficult to meet due to the current financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic but Benfica also know that they have found a gem and any move away from Benfica will be a costly one for any club looking to land Nunez. Benfica at this time should be looking to land a minimum of €70M from any interested buyer and that total may grow if Nunez continues his fine form.

Jorge Jesus looks to Lazaro to play left back

Jorge Jesus has decided to tinker with his squad while the international break is on and has decided to try Inter Milan loanee Valentino Lazaro at left back in the clubs recent training game this week against Amadora. Jesus played the game in a 4-4-2 formation and had starting left back Alex Grimaldo playing more of a midfield role with Lazaro behind him in a defensive role.

The 25 year old Lazaro is just returning to action after being out of the line up for a month while he dealt with a muscle injury suffered in the club's Taca de Portugal game against Trofense. The new look formation and Lazaro's position change just enforces that manager Jesus is not happy with current back up Gil Dias in the role. The versatile Lazaro has appeared in six games for the club across all competitions this season.

Benfica in talks with Corinthians for center back

Benfica have been linked with Corinthians center back Joao Vitor according to reports coming from Brazilian news outlet UOL and have already commenced talks with the Brazilian club about a loan move with an option to buy in January. Benfica are looking to land a replacement for center back Lucas Verissimo who is out of action for the remainder of the season.

Vitor has been with the Corinthians organization since the winter of 2017 and has appeared in 41 games across all competitions for the main club without scoring a goal while setting up one. The 23 year old has been a regular in Corinthians starting line up this season after spending last season on loan with Atletico Goianiense. Corinthians does only own 55% of the players rights and it is said Benfica could land that portion for €5M.

Benfica should look to league to fill injury

Benfica will be looking to acquire a center back when the winter transfer window opens in January after the season ending injury to Lucas Verissimo suffered in Week 11's victory over Braga. Verissimo's loss leaves a hole in Benfica's back line which plays three center backs regularly in their starting eleven. Benfica still have current starters Otamendi and Vertonghen healthy at the moment but both players are on the wrong side of 30 and susceptible to injury. Benfica's other options are 20 year old Morato and rarely seen 24 year old Ferro which does not provide confidence if the club succumbs to more injuries on the back end.

Benfica has been linked with a loan move once again with Barcelona's rarely used center back Samuel Umtiti but the club may be wise to look at more affordable options from within the Portuguese League who are accustomed to the style of play. Two names that come to mind and look to be a good fit with the club are Pacos Ferreira's Maracas and Estoril's Lucas Africo. The two players have played in Portugal since 2019 and are key cogs in their respective clubs back line. Maracas who is 27 years old and Africo who is 26 would provide the added insurance if the club were to lose additional players from their back line for extended periods of time.

Benfica suffer losses in big Braga win

Benfica played their best game in weeks in what amounted to a crushing 6-1 victory handed to Braga during Week 11 action in Portugal but the victory left a bitter taste in the mouths of the club and fans with Benfica suffering four injuries to players that have been regularly used in the starting eleven by manager Jorge Jesus. The worst of the four injuries is the loss of center back Lucas Verissimo after he suffered a right knee injury that will require surgery and end the 26 year old's season.

Joao Mario and Rafa Silva also suffered injuries in the victory and have been both dismissed from the Portugal national side, with Joao Mario suffering a back injury while Rafa suffered a muscle injury to his right thigh. The final injury was to striker Darwin Nunez who sustained a tendon injury to his right knee and he has also been dismissed from the Uruguay national side, the club has yet to provide how long the three will be out of action but with a Barcelona encounter in the Champions League just a couple of weeks away, here is hoping it is not too long.

Seferovic returns to face Braga

The return of Swiss striker Haris Seferovic from injury could not come at a better time for the club with the current struggles of Ukraine striker Roman Yaremchuk over the last few weeks. Seferovic has been out of action since suffering a muscle injury, last appearing with Benfica at the end of August and has played just 52 minutes this season. Seferovic who led the club in goals last season should commence the game on the bench but will be looked upon to make an entry likely in the second half in place of Yaremchuk who has failed to find the back of the net since the end of September, a span of 480 minutes. Seferovic has scored 69 times for Benfica in 175 career appearances across all competitions and won the league's golden boot during the 2018-19 season.

Benfica linked to Chapecoense defender

Benfica are in talks with Brazilian club Chapecoense for 17 year old central defender Tiago Coser, according to reports coming out of Brazil. The two clubs have been in deep discussions about a move for the youngster but the club has yet to have any talks with Coser about a potential contract to move to Lisbon. Despite Coser's age he has already made 11 appearances with Chapecoense and could cost the Eagles €1.5M to acquire the defender's rights. If the two clubs can come to an agreement Coser would likely join Benfica B in January to commence his career in Lisbon.

Bayern get the best of Benfica again

Benfica traveled to Munich for their fourth game of their Champions League group stage campaign and suffered the same result against Bayern that they sustained at home except Bayern did not take 70 minutes to open the scoring in this encounter. Benfica did score a pair of goals in the 5-2 drubbing and were outscored 9-2 and out classed over their two games with the German giants. Benfica's loss coupled by Barcelona's win in Kiev also saw the club drop to third spot in the group and out of a round of 16 slot with two games left in the competition.

Bayern's victory sees them clinch a spot in the round of 16 as they sit a top the group with a perfect record, while Benfica will next travel to Barcelona on the 23rd of this month in what looks like a must win final two games if they are to advance out of the group stage. Benfica's final game will take place at home against Dynamo Kiev on the 8th of December but with Bayern likely to rest key squad members in their final game with Barcelona, the Eagles should not count on getting any helping hand in that manner.

                                          STATS

                 Benfica                                Bayern Munich                                            

                     35%        Ball Possession           65%

                      7              Total shots               24

                      8           Chances created          27

                     269        Accurate Passes          583

                      1                Corners                   9

                      4                Offsides                   3

                      2            Shots on Target           12 

 

Benfica head to Munich for another bashing

Benfica are in Munich awaiting to take on German giants Bayern Munich once again in Champions League action after suffering a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Bayern the last time out at the Estadio da Luz. Benfica go into this game in poor form, having gone 2-2-2 in their last six competitive games across all competitions after defeating Barcelona 3-0 in the competition. Benfica's two victories have come against minnows Trofense in the Taca de Portugal which went into additional extra time and a last gasp win in league play over Vizela.

Benfica's run has cost them top spot in Portugal and the club goes into tomorrow's game as heavy underdogs to even escape Munich with a draw. Jorge Jesus has not used much of a rotation this season and with five players already over 1400 minutes of action, the manager looks set to burn out his top stars before we even get to 2022. Jesus would be wise to go into this game with fresh legs and save some of his key performers for this weekend's crucial league game against Braga at home. This could see the club get a bashing in Munich but it is no different then the majority of club who face them.

Bayern Munich interested in Benfica's Goncalo

German giants Bayern Munich are once again interested in another Benfica academy graduate after a failed loan move for midfielder Tiago Dantas last season, this time the apple of their eye is Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos. Bayern met last week with Ramos' agent Jorge Mendes before the two clubs encounter in the Champions League and let their interest in the 20 year old developed at Benfica's famous Seixal academy be known.

Ramos is working to earn regular minutes with Benfica and has appeared in 14 games for the club this season across all competitions. Ramos has yet to score but has provided two helpers in his 642 minutes of action. Ramos in his short career has appeared in 27 games with Benfica across all competitions scoring six goals while setting up an additional three. Benfica signed Ramos to a five year contract in the fall of 2020 which includes a €120M buy out clause.

Benfica escape Vizela with a win

Benfica went to Caldas da Vizela knowing full well that they would need a victory to remain a top Portugal as rivals FC Porto and Sporting were both victorious on Saturday. Newly promoted Vizela was a tough nut to crack defensively and actually produced a few scares in the first half before Benfica took full control of the game in the second, but it was not until an 11th hour goal by Rafa Silva finishing off a Pizzi pass that would give the visiting Eagles a much needed 1-0 victory in what was the final play of the game. Benfica have struggled to score since their victory over Barcelona four games ago and head into there Taca da Liga midweek encounter against Guimaraes, with move questions then answers.

Rui Costa asks players to hold heads up

Newly appointed Benfica President Rui Costa made his way Wednesday night to the Benfica locker room after the clubs disappointing loss in Champions League action to Bayern Munich to tell the players in the Eagles shirts to hold their heads up and move forward with encouraging words. The former player is well aware that at the end of a match that does not go your way the best way to get past the feelings of sadness and frustration is to look towards the clubs next match, which takes place on the road on Sunday when Benfica travel to take on Vizela in league action.

Benfica have now struggled in their last three games, losing two of the games at home after a morale boosting victory over Spanish giants Barcelona and cling to a slim one point advantage a top the Portuguese league after eight games of play.

Benfica collapse in final twenty minutes in loss to Bayern

Benfica suffered their first loss of their Champions League campaign at home to Bayern Munich 4-0 after holding off the German powerhouse scoreless for the first seventy minutes of the game. Benfica and Bayern went into the half scoreless as Bayern missed some good opportunities from Lewandowski and Coman, Benfica did respond with a glorious chance from Darwin Nunez that was turned aside by Bayern keeper Neuer. Benfica got a scare just before the half when Lewandowski though he had opened the scoring for the visitors but a VAR review negated the goal after a handball was spotted.

The second half saw VAR come into play once again against Bayern just eight minutes into the half as a Muller goal was called back after Coman was caught offside in the build up to the goal. Benfica seemed destined to open the scoring after a couple of chances the first by Diogo Goncalves' who's left footed shot was put over the bar by an outstretched Neuer. Yaremchuk then had his superb individual effort go inches wide of the left post as the hosts pressed to open the scoring.

Bayern would take the game by the horns at the seventy minute when a Leroy Sane free kick from 25 yards found the top right corner of the net. Bayern pressed on and scored again at the eighty minute mark with an own goal by substitute Everton. Bayern striker Lewandowski would add his name to the scoresheet just two minutes later and Sane would get his second of the game just two minutes after that as Bayern did all their damage within fourteen minutes of the second half on their way to their third straight victory of the campaign. Benfica remain second in the group with three games left until the round of 16.

                                         STATS

                 Benfica                                Bayern Munich                                            

                     35%        Ball Possession           65%

                      8              Total shots               21 

                      8           Chances created          16

                     213        Accurate Passes          483

                      4                Corners                   3 

                      0                Offsides                   7

                      3            Shots on Target            7 

Rodrigo Pinho's season comes to an end

Benfica striker Rodrigo Pinho's season has come to an end after the 30 year old had surgery earlier today to repair a rupture in his left anterior cruciate ligament at a Lisbon hospital. Pinho joined Benfica this summer as a free agent after spending four seasons with Madeira club Maritimo, he appeared in only three league games for Benfica this season scoring one goal against Santa Clara in a rare start. The season ending injury to Pinho and with Swiss striker Seferovic also out, the club is down to three strikers at this time.

Benfica suffer double injury blow in Taca win

Benfica escaped their Taca de Portugal third round encounter against Trofense with a 2-1 victory in additional extra time after receiving a scare from the second division side. What Benfica was unable to escape the game with was injuries which were suffered in the game by starting left back Gil Dias and followed by his replacement Lazaro just twenty minutes after coming onto the pitch. Both players suffered muscle injuries on their left legs and join Rodrigo Pinho, Gedson Fernandes and Haris Seferovic in the infirmary.

Darwin Nunez named player of the month

Benfica striker Darwin Nunez was announced today as the Portuguese League player of the month for September after scoring 4 goals in three games of action. The 22 year old was also named the forward of the month joining teammate Joao Mario who was announced as the midfielder of the month. Club manager Jorge Jesus also picked up the manager of the month award handed out by the Portuguese League this week. Nunez has had a hot start to the year scoring 6 goals across all competitions over 8 games.

Benfica getting ready for Taca 3rd round game

Benfica get set to return to action this weekend in the Taca de Portugal as the club travels to take on second division side Trofense in third round action on Saturday. Look for manager Jorge Jesus to start a host of players who have seen little to no action this season. Benfica are coming off their first loss of the season a disappointing 1-0 result at the Estadio da Luz against Portimonense and will look to rebound at the expense of this weekends opponent.

Rui Costa elected as 34th President of Benfica

Rui Costa has been elected as the 34th President of Benfica after receiving about 90% of the vote from more then 40,000 ballots cast in today's election. Costa has been the acting President of the club since the resignation of former club President in July and has now been given his own mandate for the next four years by the clubs members.

The 49 year old who came through Benfica's youth system appeared in 121 games with the club across all competitions through two stints in a career that included stops at Fiorentina and AC Milan. The Portuguese International was also capped 94 times by the national side in a long and glorious career that saw him collect numerous trophies including the 2002-03 Champions League title while at Milan.

Benfica hold debate for new President

Benfica club members will elect a new President for the club on Saturday and for the first time in more then two decades the club held a Presidential debate between the two candidates Rui Costa and Francisco Benitez last night as both men look to succeed Luis Filipe Vieira who resigned during the summer after being arrested and accused of economic and financial crimes with the case awaiting a trial date.

The debate was held on Benfica TV and some of the candidates key messages were:

Rui Costa - prefers to keep things as they are, amid the clubs success on and off the field over the past decade with league titles and players sales. Costa plans to work with a group of people on everything Benfica.

Francisco Benitez - wants to change the structure of the SAD and install more directors on the football side to assist in making club decisions. Benitez also prefers that all directors are Benfica fans.

Both candidates did agree that holding onto youth players who develop at Seixal longer would be an advantage in competitive play and potentially add more to the coffers at a later date as these players values rise.