Benfica preparing for Enzo exit

Benfica have accepted the fact that midfielder Enzo Fernandez will have his release clause of €120M met when the January transfer window opens, amid a battle between three European clubs to land the recent World Cup winners signature. Fernandez who was named the best young player of World Cup 2022 with Argentina is set to land in Lisbon today to resume his career with Benfica, however games may remain.

Benfica have already rejected a €100M bid for the 21 year old from an unnamed club but they are set to sit with Portuguese super agent Jorge Mendes in the coming days, who will present the club with the €120M that will activate Enzo's release. The three clubs that have been rumoured to be leading the way to land Enzo are Liverpool and Newcastle in England and Real Madrid in Spain. Benfica are already looking in South America for Enzo's replacement.

Dortmund linked with Grimaldo move

German club Borussia Dortmind are the latest club linked with a move for Benfica left back Alex Grimaldo in January when the Spaniard will be able to sign with any club for free with his contract at Benfica expiring at the end of the season. Dortmund are looking to replace Portuguese international Raphael Guerreiro who will be moving on from the club in the summer when his contract also expires.

The 27 year old has been with Benfica since the summer of 2016 appearing in 276 games across all competitions, scoring 22 goals while setting up 55. Grimaldo has captured eight trophies while at Benfica, with three of them being Portuguese League titles. Benfica are still hoping to re-sign Grimaldo to a new contract but will be in tough as European clubs circle.

Benfica captain on Spanish sides radar

Benfica captain Nicolas Otamendi, fresh off capturing World Cup 2022 with Argentina has jumped on the radar of Spanish clubs Atletico Madrid and Sevilla with his performance during the tournament. The 34 year old was one of the better defenders during the competition if not the best and has shown that he still has a lot left in the tank going forward to offer clubs.

Otamendi joined Benfica in the summer of 2020 from Manchester City for a €15M fee and is signed until the end of the season. Clubs will be able to negotiate with Otamendi when the transfer window opens in January and make a deal that could see the Argentinian move on a free transfer during the summer months. Otamendi has appeared in 104 games across all competitions for Benfica, scoring twice while setting up a pair.

Benfica working on new Schmidt contract

Benfica manager Roger Schmidt fresh off his second manager of the month in Portugal is being highly watched around Europe with Tottenham's name already linked with a move for 55 year old German wizard, who has yet to lose a competitive game for Benfica this season across all competitions.

Schmidt is signed with Benfica until the summer of 2024 but the club is hoping to convince their skipper to sign a new deal with a higher buy out clause to keep Europe's bigger clubs at bay. Schmidt is preparing the club for their upcoming Taca da Liga game tomorrow against Moreirense as he looks to extend the unbeaten run to 28 games.

Portugal trio return back to Benfica

Benfica's Portuguese international trio Goncalo Ramos, Antonio Silva and Joao Mario returned to Lisbon yesterday after their quarter-final exit at World Cup 2022 and will now be subject to an evaluation by the club, who will define a plan tailored to each of the players based on their usage at the tournament.

The trio combined for 326 minutes while at World Cup 2022 with Portugal, Ramos led the way in minutes played appearing in 152 while scoring a hat trick against Switzerland in the nations round of 16 game. Benfica's next game will be in League Cup action against Moreirense on Saturday and it is expected that the trio will not see any action.

John Brooks set to move in January

Benfica are ready to let 29 year old American defender John Brooks leave the club when the January transfer window opens, taking into the account the return of three center backs from injury over the last month and the arrival of youngster Antonio Silva, Benfica now have an abundance of players all fighting for playing minutes.

Brooks has dropped down the clubs depth chart and sits as the sixth option behind, Nico Otamendi, Antonio Silva, Morato, Lucas Verissimo and Joao Victor. Brooks was signed on deadline day when Benfica had the latter three defenders injured and promoted a green Antonio Silva to the squad. 

Brooks has appeared in five games for the club this season across all competitions, totaling 233 minutes of action.

Goncalo Ramos says "Hello" to the World

Goncalo Ramos stepped into the biggest shoes in Portuguese history when national team manager Fernando Santos gave him the nod over legend Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal's round of 16 encounter against Switzerland and the 21 year old youngster just did what he always does and that is score goals. 

Ramos who came into the start with a total of thirty-three minutes under his belt for the national side, opened the scoring for Portugal at the 17 minute mark, with a thunderous shot into the top shelf off a Joao Felix pass and just out of the reach of the Swiss keeper. Ramos would then score his second of the game when he would direct a low Dalot cross pass into the goal to extend Portugal's lead. Ramos would then make history by finishing off his hat trick in the 6-1 Portugal victory with a chip shot after a nifty pass from Joao Felix, stunning the world of football and becoming the first player this World Cup to score three goals in a game.

Ramos became the youngest player to score a hat trick at the World Cup since football legend Pele completed the same feat in 1958 at the tender age of 17 and looks to have cemented his spot in the starting eleven when Portugal take on Morocco Saturday.

 

Benfica set for Sevilla friendly next week

Benfica will take on Spanish club Sevilla in a friendly that will take place during World Cup 2022 as both clubs look to stay match ready with their current set of players not participating in the tournament as they prepare for the resumption of league play in a semi-competitive match. Benfica and Sevilla will play their friendly on December 11th at the Estadio Algarve with tickets on sale now for €10 to €15M.

Helton Leite looking to move in January

Benfica back up keeper Helton Leite is currently unhappy with his lack of playing time at the club and he has reached a breaking point after failing to appear in Benfica's recent league cup games. The 32 year old is said to be ready to move on from the club and would like to leave as early as January when the transfer window opens.

Leite has a contract with Benfica until the summer of 2025 but feels he could be a number one keeper if given the opportunity with another club and although he now holds a Portuguese passport he is open to a move back to his native Brazil if it affords him the playing time that he is looking for with their season set to start in the new year.

Benfica reach second best start to season ever

Benfica have now reached the twenty-seven game mark without suffering a loss to start the season after their 2-0 victory over Penafiel in their Taca da Liga group game. The mark is the second best start in the history of the club only trailing the 1959/60 team which reached thirty-one game mark before suffering a loss.

Benfica has amassed a record of twenty-three wins and four draws during the span which includes their performance in the Champions League qualifying rounds and group games, Portuguese League games and the Taca de Portugal along with the Taca da Liga. Benfica have also scored 73 goals while allowing 19 in all contests this season.

Andre Almeida could be back in

With right back Gilberto garnering plenty of interest from his native Brazil, Benfica may be looking for a back up to current starter Alexander Bah in January and the clubs former starting right back Andre Almeida could be just the guy to fill the role at the club. Almeida has yet to appear in any games with the club this season and made his first appearance on the substitute bench in last weekends Taca da Liga game against Amadora.

The 32 year old Almeida has been at Benfica since joining the club in the summer of 2011 from Belenenses on a free transfer and has appeared in 308 games with Benfica across all competitions, scoring eleven goals while setting up an additional forty-two. Benfica manager Roger Schmidt could also turn to Diogo Goncalves who appeared on occasion at the position under former manager Jorge Jesus.

Benfica ready for Kovacevic move to replace Vlachodimos

Benfica are being linked once again with Bosnian keeper Vladan Kovacevic as the potential replacement for current number one man Odysseas Vlachodimos if the Greek international were to depart the club during the winter transfer market. Benfica's fine form this season has caught the attention of many of Europe's top clubs and Vlachodimos has already been linked with a move to Manchester United and Leicester City.

The 24 year old Rakow keeper has been a steady performer for the first place Polish club and has appeared in eighteen games across all competitions this season, keeping twelve clean sheets in the process. Kovacevic has also been linked with Scottish side Rangers and German club Bayer Leverkusen but the keeper has confirmed that he received an offer from Benfica during the summer and the Eagles are ready to return for Kovacevic if Vlachodimos departs.

Galatasaray want to end Seferovic loan

Benfica striker Haris Seferovic looks set to return to the club in January with his current Turkish club Galatasaray looking to end the Swiss International's loan spell early according to reports from Fotomac. Seferovic is currently in Qatar with his national side set to participate in World Cup 2022 and will then return to Benfica at the conclusion of the tournament, Seferovic is not expected to remain with Benfica and will need to find a new loan for the remainder of the season.

Benfica received €1M from Galatasaray for Seferovic's loan but the striker has underwhelmed during the first half of the season appearing in only ten games across all competitions and scoring two goals, with both coming in Turkish Cup action. Galatasaray manager Okun Barak just last week made a statement about the striker and stated that he wants to continue with all his current players including Seferovic but that does not look like the case.

 

Benfica Youth Team win Globe Award

Benfica have captured another award at the Globe Soccer Awards ceremony that took place today in Dubai, as Benfica were named the Best Youth Club in the World after capturing both the UEFA Youth League and the Intercontinental Cup in 2022. This is Benfica's third trophy at the Globe Soccer Awards, having captured the best academy in the world award in both 2019 and 2015. Benfica President Rui Costa was on hand to accept the award and stated that this was another great generation of the club.

Vasco da Gama want Benfica defender

Brazilian club Vasco da Gama are said to be ready to travel to Portugal to discuss possible moves for a series of players one on the list is Benfica right back Gilberto. Vasco has just earned promotion back to the top tier of Brazilian football and are looking to strengthen their club for their upcoming season. Gilberto is a former Vasco da Gama player, spending the 2017 season at the club on loan from Fiorentina were he appeared in 26 games, providing one assist. 

Gilberto joined Benfica in the summer of 2020 for €3M and has appeared in 89 games across all competitions for the club, scoring six goals while providing seven helpers. Gilberto currently earns €480K per season at Benfica and has a contract with the club until the summer of 2025 and Vasco da Gama would need to at least match his currently salary if they are to have any chance of seeing the player fly across the pond.

Benfica at the second international break

The second International break is upon us nations prepare to compete in World Cup 2022 and Benfica go into the break on a twenty-five game unbeaten run to start the season and sit atop Portugal with a eight point lead. Benfica will not be completely out of action during the tournament as the club will compete in this seasons Taca de Liga and play three games from November 20 to December 17.

The season still has more then 50% of it to go but Benfica remain in fine form since the start of the campaign and Benfica fans are becoming very optimistic that the club will earn some much needed hardware this season when all is said and done. 

A look at some player stats from the first 25 games of the season

Most minutes played: 

Vlachodimos 2,160; Alex Grimaldo 2,134; Otamendi 2,070

Most goals scored: 

Goncalo Ramos 14; Rafa Silva 11; Joao Mario 10

Most assists: 

Joao Mario 8; David Neres 8; Alexander Bah 6; Goncalo Ramos 6

Most yellow cards: 

Enzo Fernandez 6; Rafa Silva 5; Florentino 5; Otamendi 5

Most substitute appearances: 

Diogo Goncalves 16; Petar Musa 14; Chiquinho 12

Most penalty kicks taken:

Joao Mario 7

 

These stats only include League and Champions League group stage

Total shots taken:

Rafa Silva 58; Goncalo Ramos 48; Enzo Fernandez 37

Total passes made:

Enzo Fernandez 1,552; Otamendi 1,254; Florentino 1,148

Total dribbles made:

Rafa Silva 80; David Neres 65; Joao Mario 51

Total interceptions made:

Florentino 48; Otamendo 40; Alexander Bah 30

Most Tackles:

Alex Grimaldo 49; Florentino 48; Enzo Fernandez 45 

Blocked Shots:

Antonio Silva 8; Otamendi 7; Alexander Bah 4; Alex Grimaldo 4

Most Clearances Made:

Otamendi 62; Antonio Silva 55; Florentino 23

Man of the Match

Alex Grimaldo 4; Joao Mario 3; Rafa Silva 3; Goncalo Ramos 3

League Player Ratings:

Alex Grimaldo 7.55; Joao Mario 7.51; David Neres 7.39

Champions League Player Ratings:

Rafa Silva 7.57; Alex Grimaldo 7.49; Joao Mario 7.31

Benfica's play gets notice from Portugal boss

Benfica's fine form this season has caught the attention of not only clubs and fans across the globe but of Fernando Santos, Portugal's national team coach. Santos named his 26 man World Cup squad earlier today and he included three Benfica players, Santos called up striker Goncalo Ramos the Primeira Liga leading scorer and the nations highest goal scorer this season across all competitions.

Ramos was joined by midfielder Joao Mario who's game has gone to another level this season and who's inclusion was a no brainier as it fits Santos' style of play. The third Benfica player was a surprise choice as Santos called up 19 year old center back Antonio Silva, who was a relative unknown just two months ago and will now make a well deserved trip to Qatar along with his club mates.

Benfica to face Club Brugge in Round of 16

Benfica have learned their Champions League round of 16 opponents and it will be Belgian's Club Brugge who finished runner up in their group behind FC Porto. Benfica will travel to Brugge for the first leg of the encounter on either February 14, 15,21 or 22 and then host the second leg in March on the 7, 8, 14 or 15.

On paper this looks to be the best draw that Benfica could have hoped for to advance on but Brugge can not be taken lightly after defeating FC Porto at the Dragao 4-0 during their group stage encounter, while they also did not allow a goal in five out of their six group games the only one being a 4-0 defeat at home to Porto.

Benfica top group and await round of 16 opponent

Benfica turned in what may have been their performance of the year in a 6-1 drubbing of Maccabi Haifa in their final Champions League group game and pushed aside PSG for top spot thanks to an away goal tiebreaker. Benfica and PSG finished the group stage tied in points, goals for, goals against, goals differential and played to a 1-1 draws in both encounters. The decider for top spot ended up down the tiebreak list and went Benfica's way as they scored 9 goals away from home while PSG scored 6.

Benfica are now a seeded club going into the November 7 draw and will face one of seven possible opponents in the round of 16 with only PSG not a possibility. Benfica's potential opponents for the knock out round are Liverpool, Inter Milan, Club Brugge, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt or AC Milan. The club will now get a well deserved long break from European competition until February of next year when the competition will resume.

Benfica ready to make another move for Frankfurt midfielder

Benfica were linked to Eintracht Frankfurt attacking midfielder Daichi Kamada during the summer months but nothing came to fruition. The failure to land Kamada has not soured the club who are ready to try and land the 26 year old Japanese midfielder again when the winter transfer window opens in January.

Kamada has continued his fine play this season, having scored twelve goals across all competitions in twenty games while providing three assists. Kamada has yet to sign an extension with Frankfurt and will be open to sign with any club for free in January. Benfica will not be alone in their chase of Kamada and should face some stiff competition to land the talented midfielders signature.

Schmidt's unbeaten run hits new high

Benfica manager Roger Schmidt continues his impressive unbeaten run in all competitions since taking over at the club during the summer. Schmidt's Benfica squad has gone twenty-one games without a loss and is unbeaten in all competitions which includes league play, the Taca de Portugal and the Champions League, both qualifiers and group play.

Schmidt has matched the unbeaten run of former manager Sven-Goran Ericsson which took place during the 1981/82 season. Schmidt's unbeaten run ties him for fifth on the clubs all time list and he is eleven games shy of surpassing legendary manager Bella Guttman's thirty-one game streak which he accomplished during the 1959/60 season.

 BENFICA ALL TIME UNBEATEN STREAKS

Bella Guttman  31 games (1959/60)

Jimmy Hagan 26 games (1971/72)

John Mortimore 26 games (1977/78)

Elek Schwartz 24 games (1964/65)

Sven-Goran Ericsson 21 games (1981/82) 

Roger Schmidt 21 games (2022/23)

Could Joao Felix be coming home..

Joao Felix is fighting for playing time at Atletico Madrid and last started a game for the club almost six weeks ago. Felix has had moments of brilliance at Atletico but the teams style of play seems to always thwart any chances of Felix showing the offensive form that we became accustomed to in his one season at Benfica.

Now come the rumours circulating that Felix could make a return to the Luz when the January transfer window opens according to Mundo Desportivo. The 22 year old arrived at Atletico from Benfica in the summer of 2018 for a jaw dropping €127M transfer fee but has failed to live up to the expectations placed upon him after his arrival for the record breaking fee, an all time high for Atletico Madrid.

Felix's return to Benfica would be on loan for the remainder of the season if it were to happen and would give the club another adequate attacking option as they look to recapture the Portuguese League crown once again and make a deep run in the Champions League after qualifying for the round of 16 earlier this week.

Benfica make it to knockout round of Champions League

Benfica will return to the Champions League round of 16 for the second consecutive season after holding on for a 4-3 victory over Juventus earlier today at the Estadio da Luz. Benfica were lead by a sparkling performance from Rafa Silva who scored a brace and was a mere goal post away from making it a hat trick.

Benfica also got goals from 18 year old sensation Antonio Silva, who scored his first goal for the senior side and became the second youngest player to score a goal for Benfica after Goncalo Guedes, while Joao Mario chipped one in from the penalty spot. Benfica still have the top spot in the group to play for as they sit tied in points with PSG with one game remaining but trail the tiebreaker in goal differential.

Benfica add roughly an additional €10M to their bank roll for qualifying for the round of 16 and have earned close to €60M this season in the competition.

Benfica win at the Dragao over Porto

Benfica went into the Dragao looking to snap a nine game win less run against FC Porto in all competitions and put that streak to rest with a 1-0 victory over ten man Porto with a second half goal from Rafa Silva. Benfica remain unbeaten on the season and more importantly are now six points clear of their second place rivals after ten league games.

Porto came out flying to start the game as they looked to send a message to their rivals but were undone when midfielder Stephen Eustaquio was shown a red card at the 27th minute mark, picking up his second yellow card for a hard late challenge on Benfica right back Alexander Bah. Eustaquio let his emotions get the best of him with the pair of yellows coming just three minute apart and both against Bah.

HIGHLIGHTS

Benfica almost opened the scoring at the 37th minute when Fredrik Aursnes' shot went off the post directly to Rafa Silva, the winger sent his header off the cross bar with a wide open goal. Benfica manager Schmidt then decided to make a triple substitution at the half, with a build up of yellow cards and a fear of seeing his club reduced to ten man.

The second half was a hard fought encounter and it was not until the 72nd mark that a pretty give and go between David Neres and Rafa Silva, saw the later open the scoring for Benfica. The goal was not without its controversy after first being waved off for offside before a VAR review over turned the on field call and gave Benfica the lead.

Benfica almost doubled their lead in injury time but Porto keeper Diogo Costa batted away a cross deflected off his own defender off the goal line. The game ended with Porto manager Sergio Conceicao picking up a red card after he showed his displeasure with the result of the game.

Benfica will now face Juventus on Tuesday needing a point to advance to the round of 16.

 

Benfica ready for O Classico against FC Porto

Benfica head to Porto to face arch rivals FC Porto in what has been dubbed for many years as "O Classico"as both groups of fans will be heard and seen far and wide not only in Portugal but around the world. Benfica will arrive in Porto in top spot after nine league games ahead of their rivals by three points as the two clubs get set to clash with much on the line.

Benfica will arrive in Porto on an eighteen game unbeaten run in all competitions under manager Roger Schmidt and had yet to lose with the German on the sideline. FC Porto come into the game on a nine game unbeaten run against Benfica in all competitions, having not lost to their southern rivals since March of 2019.

The game pits Portugal's top two clubs on a Friday night, thanks to the clubs Champions League commitments. Benfica go into the game looking to make a statement that they are back and Portugal's top club, while FC Porto will be looking to hold onto their current crown and show the Lisbon side that they will not step aside without a fight.

The clubs will step onto the pitch in front of a sold out crowd at the Estadio do Dragao in a game that will bring Portugal to a stand still with all eyes glued to their respective televisions. Will Benfica prevail and continue their fine form or will FC Porto swat them aside and breath new life back into the title race. Lets all find out Friday at 8:30pm WEST.

Ajax look to return back to Benfica for Vlachodimos

Ajax are said to be ready to make a move once again for Benfica starting keeper Vlachodimos according to reports out of the Netherlands, once the transfer window opens again in January after coming oh so close to landing the 28 year old during the summer window. Vlachodimos has a contract with Benfica until the summer of 2024 with a buy out clause of €60M but Benfica could be open to sell for €20M.

Vlachodimos joined Benfica in the summer of 2018 from Panathinaikos for €2.4M and has appeared in 186 games at the club across all competitions. Vlachodimos has kept 74 clean sheets in those appearances. The Greek International has also been a member of the squads that have captured both the Portuguese League title in 2018/19 and the Portuguese Super Cup in 2019. 

Benfica need penalties to advance in Taca de Portugal

Benfica received a scare against minnows Caldas after the third division side took the unbeaten eagles to penalties after playing to a 1-1 draw after one hundred and twenty minutes. Benfica who rested the majority of their regular starters did not open the scoring until early in the second half when Petar Musa scored a nifty goal that beat the star of the game, Caldas keeper Wilson Soares to the far left post.

Caldas brought the game level twenty minutes later when a poor John Brooks back pass was mishandled by youngster Antonio Silva, sending Goncalo Barreiras away alone on Helton Leite and he made no mistake equalizing the game. Benfica just could not finish a boat load of opportunities and the game headed to penalties were Benfica converted all their shots from the spot with Joao Mario scoring the final goal that broke the hearts of Caldas' fans.

Benfica will now await to find out their opponents in the fourth round of Taca de Portugal action. 

Benfica set to kick off Taca campaign

Benfica will kick off their Taca de Portugal campaign this Saturday when they travel to face division three side Caldas in a one game knockout as the Lisbon side looks to recapture Portugal's premier knockout tournament trophy for the first time since the 2016/17 season and adding to their all time leading haul of twenty-six titles.

Look for Benfica to give their regular starting eleven a rest in this encounter as many players who have not seen regular minutes this season look to add their names to Roger Schmidt's options going forward. Benfica and Caldas will play October 15 with the game set to kick off at 8:45pm WEST at Caldas 13,000 seater.

Benfica inching closer to round of 16

Benfica traveled to Paris to take on PSG in game 4 of their Champions League group and will head home with a satisfying point after fighting to a 1-1 draw once again. The two clubs played to the same 1-1 scoreline less then a week ago in Lisbon and sit jointly atop their respective group tied on points with eight a piece.

Benfica and PSG both received good news before kickoff after Maccabi Haifa took down Juventus in an earlier contest and both clubs sit five points clear of the pair. Benfica at this time would just require a win in their final two games to clinch a spot in the round of 16 once again this season and have a shot a claiming top spot in a group that could come down to goal differential.

 

Antonio Silva wanted by Europe's elite

Benfica's 18 year old center back Antonio Silva was given an opportunity to play for the main club thanks to a flurry of injuries to the clubs center back position this season and the youngster has taken the bull by the horns with poise and showing the confidence of a long time veteran in Benfica's starting XI.

Silva who was a relative unknown until a little over a month ago to all but the clubs most diehard fans has pushed aside all competitors to play along side Otamendi and his play has caught the attention of some of Europe's most elite clubs with Real Madrid and Manchester United all ready to make a move for the youngster.

Silva has been a part of Benfica's organization since 2016, joining the club from little known Viseu United at the tender age of 13 and moving to the clubs famous Sexial Academy where he completed his development. Silva was also a member of Benfica's winning 2021 UEFA Youth League squad, bringing home the clubs first UEFA trophy since Eusebio's famous Benfica sides of the sixties.

Benfica were quick to sign Silva to a new contract on September 5th, pushing his buy out clause to €100M to avoid the fate of losing the 18 year old for a lower value.

Benfica perform a masterclass against PSG

Benfica's best performance of the season did not result in a victory but the home draw in Champions League action against powerhouse French side PSG was a masterclass to watch. Benfica were not intimidated by PSG's attacking trio of Mpappe-Neymar-Messi and made sure to push back when they were pushed in a first half that they were the better side of the two clubs. PSG were fortunate to go into the half tied at one a piece thanks to some solid defending by keeper Donnarumma.

The second half saw PSG turn up their game but Benfica held their own and when the French club did get on goal, Benfica keeper Vlachodimos made sure to turn them away time and time again. Benfica got oh so close to shocking PSG in the 80th minute as a Rafa run got him past both PSG defenders and only a big stop again by Donnarumma keep the game even.

The clubs emotions came to a boiling point at the final whistle with both sides exchanging words on the field, we will not need to wait long for an encore as Benfica travel to Paris on Tuesday to take on PSG in a return match as both clubs sit tied at eight points a piece atop their group, let's hope for another thriller Tuesday as Benfica's confidence will surely get a boost going into the game.

Benfica look to get back on track

Benfica will look to get back to their winning ways after dropping points this past weekend for the first time this season in what was a scoreless draw against Guimaraes. Benfica had arguably their worst first half performance of the season, where they mustered zero shots on net and looked sluggish after a lay off due to the recent International break.

Benfica had a thirteen game winning run snapped in the draw, the run saw the club win seven league games and six games through the Champions League competition. Benfica also failed to score for the first time this season. The club will have a tough task if they are to return to the win column as they get set to face French powerhouse PSG at home in a battle for top spot in group play as both clubs come into the contest having won both their opening group games.

Benfica linked to Colombian winger

Benfica scouts have been in Colombia with their eyes on Millonarios 21 year old winger Daniel Ruiz this past week according to reports from TV broadcaster DirecTV Sports. Benfica are not alone in their interest of Ruiz with Manchester City and Bragantino also linked to the Colombian youngster.

Ruiz has been a member of Millonarios since the start of 2021, spending the first year at the club on loan before Millonarios made they move permanent this year with Fortaleza for €310K. Ruiz has appeared in 90 games with Millonarios across all competitions, scoring twelve goals while setting up an additional eighteen.  

Fernando Santos does Goncalo Ramos disservice

Portugal manager Fernando Santos has led Portugal to another devastating loss in another crucial game once again after Portugal lost at home earlier today to Spain 1-0. This has become a recurring theme for the national side commencing after their 2019 UEFA Nations League title but the biggest head scratcher of the day was the disservice Santos gave to Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos.

Santos decided that it was the right call to not dress the 21 year old Ramos who is currently Portugal's highest goal scorer for club this season in a game that might just require Portugal to score a goal or two. Santos instead went with players that he was more familiar with, showing his loyalty, stubbornness and foolishness all by living on past morals.

I am not saying the Ramos should have started for Portugal today but a substitution into the game in the second half was more then warranted for a player who is currently in better form then any of his teammates. Ramos who has currently scored eight goals this season for Benfica while providing six assists has scored three more goals then the next closest player and is on par for assists with one other on the squad.

This alone should have given Santos the nerve to make sure the youngster was at least an option in a game that ultimately required a goal to move onto the tournaments final four stage but alas the choice made was bringing in Joao Felix who just three days ago was unfit to even dress for their game against the Czech Republic. Santos' has time to right his wrong with Ramos who may just be the nations first choice striker when the World Cup rolls around. We will all be watching.

Benfica's future center back duo back in training

Benfica's Brazilian center backs Lucas Verissimo and Joao Victor have returned to training after both defenders have been out with injuries for an extended period of time. 

Verissimo is making his return after a long lay off that saw the 27 year old out of action since early November 2021 after he suffered a ruptured knee ligament and he is in the last phase of recovery which should see him cleared for game action in about a month. While the 24 year old Victor has recovered from an ankle injury sustained during the summer months, he has yet to appear in any games for Benfica since joining the club from Corinthians in July.

The Brazilian pair look to be the future staple of a Benfica defense for years to come but both will need to earn their spots in the clubs starting eleven with captain Otamendi and youngster Antonio Silva currently holding the fort while providing rock solid defending for the club who are currently on a thirteen game winning streak to start the season.

Benfica learns Taca da Liga opponents

The Portuguese League revealed the groups earlier today for a revamped 2022/23 Taca da Liga edition that will see eight groups competing to hoist the league trophy early in 2023. Benfica's group opponents will be Moreirense, Penafiel and Amadora with the group winner advancing to the quarter-final stage. The group games will all be played in a ten day window and are set to take place during the World Cup.

Benfica's Taca da Liga schedule:

at Amadora on November 19

vs Penafiel on November 24

at Moreirense on November 27

Benfica at the first International Break

The first International break is upon us during the season and Benfica have already played 13 competitive games from the start of their Champions League qualifying campaign to their Champions League group stage games and seven weeks of league games in Portugal. Benfica under the tutelage of Roger Schmidt remain perfect for the season, winning all 13 of these games with an away win against Juventus included.

The season still has along long way to go but Benfica are currently in fine form to start the season and Benfica fans will hope that this form earns the club some much needed hardware this season when all is said and done. 

A look at some player stats from the first 13 games of the season

Most minutes played: 

Vlachodimos 1,170; Alex Grimaldo 1,161; Enzo Fernandez 1,111

Most goals scored: 

Goncalo Ramos 8; Rafa Silva 6; Joao Mario 5; David Neres 5

Most assists: 

Joao Mario 5; Goncalo Ramos 5; David Neres 5

Most yellow cards: 

Rafa Silva 4; Florentino 3; Otamendi 2; Goncalo Ramos 2

Most substitute appearances: 

Diogo Goncalves 8; Alexander Bah 7; Henrique Araujo 7

Most penalty kicks taken:

Joao Mario 4

 

These stats only include League and Champions League group stage

Total shots taken:

Rafa Silva 28; Goncalo Ramos 25; Enzo Fernandez 25

Total passes made:

Enzo Fernandez 870; Otamendi 594; Florentino 582

Total dribbles made:

Rafa Silva 46; David Neres 39; Joao Mario 26

Total interceptions made:

Florentino 23; Otamendo 23; Alex Grimaldo 13

Most Tackles:

Alex Grimaldo 25; Enzo Fernandez 25; Florentino 23

Blocked Shots:

Otamendi 4; Antonio Silva 3; Alexander Bah 2

Most Clearances Made:

Antonio Silva 23; Otamendi 18; Florentino 13

Man of the Match

Joao Mario 2; Alex Grimaldo 2; David Neres 2

League Player Ratings:

Joao Mario 7.63; David Neres 7.60; Alex Grimaldo 7.56

Champions League Player Ratings:

Rafa Silva 8.03; Alex Grimaldo 7.59; Enzo Fernandez 7.38