Benfica blow game against Inter and hang by a thread to continue in Europe

Benfica opened the game against Inter Milan on fire as Inter's decision to make a massive amount of changes from their weekend game's starting XI haunted them. Benfica would take a 3-0 lead into halftime on a hat trick by Joao Mario, but the second half saw all their hard work completely unravel, and the game ended with a disappointing 3-3 draw.

Benfica scored just five minutes into the game when Joao Mario took a head pass from striker Casper Tengstedt to open the scoring. Benfica would double their lead just eight minutes later, and Joao Mario would complete the hat trick at the 34 minute mark through another Casper Tengstedt helper.

The second half would then see the wheels fall off the wagon as Benfica seemed content to sit and defend, a decision that would prove costly as Inter brought the lead down to two goals with an ever so close on side goal just six minutes into the half. They would score again seven minutes later, and the comeback would be complete on a controversial penalty kick awarded at the 72 minute mark, bringing the game level.

Benfica were lucky to even escape with the point on this night as Inter Milan would smash a shot off the bar in injury time after Benfica went down a man with a straight red card awarded to center back Antonio Silva in the 86th minute for a reckless challenge by the youngster.

Benfica will now have to travel to Salzburg and defeat the Austrian club by three goals if they are to remain in Europe and qualify for the Europa League in two weeks, a feat that seems unlikely given the Lisbon's sides form during this year's Champions League campaign.

Benfica are bleeding from both wing back positions, as the club decided to use a midfielder and center back in those roles against Inter, add on the manager's continued hesitation to use his bench earlier, and this is a Benfica side that has simply looked terrible from the opening 15 minutes of the competition.

Benfica still have a chance to continue in Europe but will need to play their best game of the season in Austria. Sadly we have yet to see that version of the club this season.

Benfica will need to lay it all on the line in Champions League

Benfica are coming off a weekend Taca de Portugal victory over Famalicao, which moved the Lisbon club into the round of 16 in Portugal's premier club competition. The Eagles will now need to channel that momentum into the club's first points in the Champions League as they get set to host Inter Milan tomorrow in their fifth group game.

Benfica currently sits at the bottom of their group, not only having yet to pick up points but having scored just once through the first four games. Benfica have already been eliminated from reaching the round of 16 but can still move into the Europa League with the right amount of points gained in their final two games.

They currently trail third place side Red Bull Salzburg by three points and will face the Austrian club in their final game in Salzburg to close out their Champions League campaign. Benfica will travel without supporters after the club's fans were issued a ban due to behavior in their previous road game at Sociedad. 

Benfica ready for Taca showdown against Famalicao

Benfica are ready to host Famalicao in the 4th round of the Taca de Portugal later today after a break due to international duty for a host of the club's players. The clash between the pair promises to be an exciting encounter with a David vs Goliath appeal.

Benfica last hoisted the prestigious Taca de Portugal during the 2016-17 season and have captured the trophy a record 26 times since the competition took its current form in 1938. Benfica did make back to back finals in 2019-20 and 2020-21 but lost on both occasions to FC Porto and Braga, respectively.

PSG make Goncalo Ramos loan move permanent

PSG have activated the buy clause to make the loan move for striker Goncalo Ramos permanent and are set to hand Benfica a windfall of €80M for the services of the Portuguese striker. Ramos joined PSG in the summer on loan for €20M and Benfica will now receive an additional €60M from the Paris club for the permanent move.

Ramos is currently being used in a rotation with Randal Kolo Muani, who also moved to Paris during the summer window and has appeared in fifteen games across all competitions for PSG, scoring twice and providing an assist. Ramos' two goals came against Marseille in a league game. PSG has signed Ramos until the summer of 2028.

 

Villarreal looking at Benfica winger Goncalo Guedes

Benfica winger Goncalo Guedes has popped up on the radar of Spanish club Villarreal according to reports from Spain's Radio Marca. The 26 year old has been on loan at Benfica from Wolverhampton since January of 2022 and has only recently returned from a lengthy injury suffered late into of last season.

Villarreal has just hired Guedes' former Valencia manager Marcelino Toral and the Spaniard sees Guedes as potential solution to the prolonged absence of the club's striker Yereni Pino. Guedes has a contract with Wolves until the summer of 2027 and Benfica are not keen to lose the winger as the battle for the Portuguese League title.

Future of Lucas Verissimo to be decided in winter window

Lucas Verissimo is currently applying his trade in his homeland of Brazil on loan from Benfica to Corinthians until the end of June 2024. Benfica received €1M from Corinthians for the loan, which started this past summer.

Corinthians are in the middle of a presidential election, but both combatants have expressed their interest in making Verissimo's loan deal permanent before the loan expires in 2024. Benfica acquired the 28 year old from Santos in the winter of 2021 for €6.5M, and signed the center back until the summer of 2026.

Benfica is no longer interested in bringing Verissimo back to the club and is open to negotiating a move out for the right price. Verissimo appeared in 41 games across all competitions in his time with the club, scoring five goals while providing two helpers. 

It was Verissimo's long term injury that opened the door for Antonio Silva to step in at the club last season, and the rest is history.

 

Benfica closing in on move for Velez winger

Benfica are set to beat a couple of European giants in Real Madrid and Barcelona for the signature of 17 year old Argentinian winger Gianluca Prestianni, who is currently applying his trade with Velez Sarsfield in Argentina.

Velez's newly elected President, Fabian Berlanda, confirms that the club has received an offer from Benfica for Prestianni and that they will analyze the formal bid from the Lisbon club, which is said to be in the area of €8M for 85% of players rights plus bonuses.

Prestianni is considered one of the best young talents currently playing in Argentina and has this season appeared in 33 games across all competitions for Velez, scoring 3 goals in 1660 minutes of action.

Benfica win in dramatic fashion to move into top spot

After imposing their first defeat on Sporting 2-1 at the Luz, Benfica rose to the top of the league table, with the same 28 points as Sporting, who dropped to second place, and three more than FC Porto. Benfica can thank the victory to a pair of goals in added time that sent the home crowd into a whirlwind frenzy.

Viktor Gyokeres gave Sporting the lead just before the 45th minute, with Joao Neves equalizing at 90th minute +4 and Casper Tengstedt winning it at 90th minute +7, when Sporting were playing with one player less after Goncalo Inacio received his second yellow card of the game in the 51st minute.

Benfica continue to not play with their best form to date but have now squeezed out two victories at the Luz over both Sporting and FC Porto this season, the first time they have accomplished such a feat in over 10 years.

Benfica now heads into the international break in the top spot in Portugal, hoping that this dramatic comeback victory will kickstart the club's resurgence.

Benfica rumours in Abel Ferreira far fetched

According to reports from the Brazilian newspaper Lance, Benfica is said to be interested in the services of current Palmeiras bench boss Abel Ferreira due to the club's current string of inconsistent performances, especially in the Champions League, where they have lost all four games while scoring just once.

Current manager Roger Schmidt is just in his second season at the club but has a contract that runs into the summer of 2026 after receiving an extension during last season from his original two year pact. While Abel's contract at Palmeiras goes to the end of 2024.

Benfica were previously linked with Abel last summer before acquiring Schmidt before the start of last season, after his contract with PSV ended. A move away from Schmidt before the end of his contract could prove quite costly for Benfica, as the German currently earns €4M per season.

Schmidt has led Benfica to the Portuguese League title in 2022/23 and captured the Portuguese Super Cup to start the season.

Benfica set for biggest game of season in Lisbon

The upcoming clash between Benfica and Sporting at the Estadio Da Luz is undoubtedly the biggest game of the season for both teams. As Lisbon rivals, their encounters are always highly anticipated, but this particular fixture holds even more significance as Sporting currently sit at the top of the league table just three points in front of last season's Champions Benfica.

Benfica find themselves in a challenging position this season as they have struggled to maintain consistency and have fallen behind their arch-rivals in the title race. However, a victory against Sporting would see last seasons Champions reclaim the top spot but also provide a much-needed morale boost for the team.

The Estadio Da Luz will be buzzing with excitement as fans from both sides fill the stands to witness this intense battle. The atmosphere will be electric, with passionate supporters chanting and cheering for their respective teams. These derbies are known for their intensity and fierce competition on the pitch.

This match is not just about bragging rights; it has serious implications for both teams' aspirations this season. A win for Benfica would see them move into top spot and inject them with renewed confidence going forward. Conversely, a victory for Sporting would solidify their position as league leaders and put them six points ahead of their closest rival for the league crown.

Tune in tomorrow and watch how this game plays out, it should be an entertaining affair.

Benfica finally score but exit from Champions League

Benfica finally found the back of the net in their fourth group stage game, but it unfortunately came when the club was already down by three goals, which proved too little and too late as the Lisbon side were handed their fourth straight loss of the competition and will not advance out of the group stage this season.

Benfica's only hope to remain active in Europe is if they can manage to wrestle a third spot away from Salzburg and make their way into the Europa League. With two games remaining in the competition and one of those games against the Austrian side, Benfica could still save some face in UEFA but they will need to get to work.

Benfica could not have started the game more poorly when their new 3-4-2-1 formation did little to spook Real Sociedad, who jumped to a two goal lead just eleven minutes into the contest on a pair of goals from Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyaezabal. An offside prevented the Spanish club from going up three just four minutes later, but a thunderous strike by Barrenetxea at the twenty-one minute mark put this game out of reach for good.

Benfica would score their first goal of the competition when Otamendi found Rafa Silva going to the net after a free kick gave Sociedad some problems, but that would be the only joy the club would see in this game as Sociedad would go on to win 3-1, ending Benfica's Champions League hopes.

Benfica now has two games remaining in the competition, a home contest against Inter Milan and a road game in Austria against RB Salzburg. The club's performances this season have left many fans in a bad place mentally, and not much is expected of the club going forward... how can it be?

Benfica scoring woes continue in win

Benfica is currently facing a significant challenge in their offensive department. The team's goal-scoring struggles have persisted for a period of time now, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the effectiveness of their front line. Although the club escaped with a win over Chaves yesterday, it took a lucky bounce and penalty to score their markers.

Despite boasting a talented squad with players like Rafa Silva and Angel di Maria, Benfica has failed to consistently find the back of the net for a long stretch of time. Their lackluster performances in front of goal have resulted in a bottom place in their Champions League group and a run of results that have seen them escape with victories in a lucky fashion.

The issue lies not only with individual players but also with the team's overall attacking strategy. Benfica has struggled to create clear-cut chances and convert them into goals. This lack of creativity and clinical finishing has hindered their game plan on multiple occasions and the press that did so well last season seems to have been poked full of holes.

In order to overcome this hurdle, Benfica must focus on improving their attacking patterns and enhancing their offensive cohesion as a unit. Additionally, they should explore alternative strategies such as utilizing wingers or midfielders to contribute to the attack.

While it may take time for these changes to yield results, Benfica remains determined to rectify their goal-scoring woes. With continued effort and strategic planning, they will eventually find that missing piece upfront that can elevate them back to the squad we have been accustomed to seeing during the 2022/23 season.

Could Goncalo Guedes be the answer up front for Benfica

Goncalo Guedes, the 26 year old Portuguese talent, could just be the answer up front for Benfica, who have struggled to score goals consistently this season, especially in Champions League play.

While primarily deployed as a winger, there is growing speculation about whether he could be the answer to Benfica's search for a reliable striker after featuring in the role in the club's Taca da Liga encounter earlier this week and not looking out of place.

Guedes possesses all the attributes required to excel in a central role. His pace and agility allow him to outmaneuver defenders, while his excellent ball control and dribbling skills make him a nightmare for opposition defenses. Moreover, Guedes has shown great composure in front of goal throughout his career, displaying an innate ability to find the back of the net.

Furthermore, Guedes' versatility makes him an ideal candidate for the striker role. He can seamlessly switch positions with other attacking players and create space for himself or his teammates. This adaptability would give Benfica's attack an added dimension and keep opposition defenses guessing.

Guedes has all the potential to be Benfica's answer up front in the striker role. His skill set combined with his versatility make him an exciting option up front, and after coming back from two knee surgeries in the past year, the 26 year old may finally regaining his health to become the solution to the club's on going woes.

 

Angel di Maria continues to shine for Benfica

Angel di Maria has gotten off to the best start of his career with Benfica this season at the tender young age of 35. Di Maria scored the opening goal for Benfica yesterday in their 2-0 Taca da Liga win over Arouca off of a free kick, his second goal from a spot ball this season.

Di Maria leads Benfica in scoring to date in this campaign, with seven goals across all competitions in eleven games. He has also provided two helpers in that span. Di Maria has left no doubt that he is the star of this club and intends to maintain that role during the season.

Benfica are hoping that Di Maria's form can rub off on a squad that has struggled in Europe this season, with three games remaining in their group stage.

David Neres will undergo knee surgery for extended absence

Benfica have lost winger David Neres for an extended period of time due to an injury to his meniscus in his left knee. The injury happened in yesterday's league game against Casa Pia, and will see the 26 year old go under the knife to repair the damage.

There has been no timeline given for the recovery time that Neres will need before he can return to action, but the injury is similar to the one sustained by Goncalo Guedes last season, which saw Guedes miss four months of action.

Neres is a big loss to a club that continues to struggle to score goals this season, having dropped points once again yesterday due to a lack of finish around the goal. He joins right back Alexander Bah and midfielder Orkun Kokcu in the infirmary.

Benfica celebrate 20 years at the Luz with mural

On the day the Estadio da Luz celebrated 20 years, Benfica unveiled a new mural celebrating their most outstanding 20 players from the first two decades of the stadium opening as selected by the club's fans. 

Ederson, Jan Oblak, Nelson Semedo, Andre Almeida, Ezequiel Garay, Luisao, Ruben Dias, Nico Otamendi, Alex Grimaldo, Pablo Aimar, Rui Costa, Angel di Maria, Nico Gaitan, Eduardo Salvio, Simao Sabrosa, Rafa Silva, Oscar Cardozo, Nuno Gomes, Joao Felix and Jonas were the players chosen by the fans.

Ten players were present for the unveiling of the mural led by club President Rui Costa. Benfica's Estadio da Luz was opened on October 25, 2003 and was built from scratch as the main stadium of the Euro 2024 tournament being held in Portugal.

 

What is wrong with Benfica in Champions League?

Benfica's struggles in the Champions League this season hit an all-time high when they lost for the second time at home in the competition to keep a perfect record that no one wants to have. Benfica will now be known as the only club to be drawn from pot one in the Champions League to have gone with zero goals and zero points in their first three games of the group stage.

Benfica's chances to advance out of the group stage are currently slim and could be none when they face Real Sociedad away in Spain after suffering a flattering 1-0 loss at home to them just yesterday. Benfica have looked like a shell of last season's club that made a run to the quarterfinals, which some would say that a series of unfortunate events saw the club exit to last years finalists.

But what has happened to the club that has looked terrible in the competition? Looking at the players that currently remain with the club, you have Joao Mario and Rafa Silva, who are a shell of the players that put fright into clubs last season. The pair scored 11 goals between them.

The lack of usage of a true defensive midfielder has also proved costly, as the pair of Orkun Kokcu and Joao Neves are a far cry from last seasons generals Enzo Fernandez and Florentino, who commanded the middle of the field.

For all the accolades that Kokcu and Neves get for their league play, one needs to sit in place of Florentino, who, for reasons unknown, has fallen out of favour with his pig-headed bench boss Roger Schmidt.

Benfica have also failed to replace departing striker Goncalo Ramos, as the trio of Petar Musa, Casper Tengstedt, and Arthur Cabral have yet to step up and provide the pressure up front that Ramos became famous for.

The left back position is also a glaring hole in the squad, as the exit of Alex Grimaldo has cost the club some attacking flare, and the free kick specialist was also known for timely goals, which current replacements Juan Bernat and David Jurasek provide neither.

Benfica have three games to correct the ship, but an advancement from group play may be out of the club's hands at this point in the competition, they can only take it one game at a time and hope for a return to form quickly, but I won't hold my breathe, and neither should you at this juncture.

Benfica awaiting response on trio of injured players

Benfica have a very important Champions League encounter on Tuesday when they host Spanish club Real Sociedad, Benfica are still looking for their first points of this seasons campaign in a game that has turned into a must win for the Eagles.

Benfica looks set to go into the game missing three of their regular starters with Angel di Maria, Orkun Kokcu and Alexander Bah all recovery from injuries, the trio have yet to complete a full training with the club since before the international break.

Benfica's medical department will re-evaluate the players today in Seixal but manager Roger Schmidt is in no hurry to use the trio unless they are given the green light to play as he looks to avoid a relapse in their injuries.

The club knows the importance of Tuesday's game and will look for others on the squad to step up in their absences.

 

Benfica put on a show in Azores in Taca de Portugal encounter

Benfica traveled to the Azores island of Terceira to take on Lusitania in their third round Taca de Portugal match up and showed their prowess in a resounding 4-1 victory over their over matched foes. Benfica scored a pair of goals in each half with their opponents chipping in a goal from the penalty spot just before the end of the first half.

Benfica got goals from four different marksmen with Joao Mario, Rafa Silva, Arthur Cabral and Tiago Gouveia all finding their names on the game sheet. With the victory Benfica now advance to the fourth round of the Taca de Portugal and await to find out their next opponents in this prestigious tournament.

Fenerbahce looking at Benfica midfielder Florentino

Current Turkish League leaders Fenerbahce are looking to reinforce their midfield with a defensive minded player and have their eyes on Benfica midfielder Florentino according to CNN Turkey.

Fenerbahce manager Ismail Kartal has presented the board with a list of midfielders he likes and highlighted on that list is the name of Florentino Luis. The 24 year old has been a long time favourite of the Turkish side but Benfica's current financial demands have continued to be a stumbling block in making the move possible.

Florentino is signed with Benfica until the summer of 2027 and has a buy clause of €120M, current Benfica bench boss Roger Schmidt is against moving the midfielder who he feels is a valuable part of the club.

Fenerbahce have their work cut out for them if they are to land this coveted player and do not seem to have the financial might to make this move happen.

 

Benfica prepare for third round Taca de Portugal encounter

Benfica are gearing up for their third round Taca de Portugal encounter against Azores club Lusitania on Friday in the picturesque island of Terceira, in what amounts to a battle between David and Goliath once again.

The match looks set to be a spectacle of football taking place in the small island of just over 53,000 people between two clubs with contrasting backgrounds but equal ambitions to advance.

Lusitania will be flying in over 40 sports venue assistants from the mainland of Portugal due to the logistics of hosting the defending league Champions and Portugal's most popular club at the Estadio John Paul II which normally holds 7,000 fans.

This will set the club back $20,000 to cover all accommodations for these workers but it will be worth the media coverage and free advertisement that the brand will receive from such a big match.

Benfica will be looking for nothing short then advancing to the next round and have their focus on making a run to the final to capture a trophy that has alluded them since the 2016/17 season.

 

Rosario Central want Di Maria next season

Argentinian club Rosario Central are hoping to land Benfica winger Angel di Maria next season once he becomes a free agent in hopes of having Di Maria end his career where it started. Rosario's sporting director Federico Lussenhoff spoke earlier today about preparing the right conditions to bring Di Maria back next summer.

Benfica acquired the talented Di Maria from Rosario Central in the summer of 2007 for €8M and the 35 year old spent three seasons with Benfica before departing and joining Real Madrid. Di Maria's career has taken him through Manchester United, PSG and Juventus before returning to Benfica this summer. 

Benfica need to give Cabral more time to adapt to club

Benfica made a significant signing this summer when they acquired striker Arthur Cabral from Fiorentina for €20M to replace departing striker Goncalo Ramos who moved on to join PSG. 

However since his arrival Cabral has struggled to find his footing and has yet to score or provide a helper in the limited time that he has appeared in games.

Benfica manager Roger Schmidt has continued to shuffle between Cabral, Petar Musa and Casper Tengstedt as he looks to find the piece that can replace what the club lost with departure of Ramos. 

Cabral has appeared in 230 minutes of the 900 minutes that the club has played this season, which does not bode well for the striker as he looks to adapt to his new club and teammates.

Benfica need to give their summer acquisition regular playing minutes if we are to see what he can bring to the club as if Cabral is to build chemistry with his new teammates he will actually need to be on the pitch with them.

Benfica should look to include Cabral against the leagues minnows more regularly in the hopes that he can provide the club with what they first saw when acquiring the 25 year old this past summer.

Benfica injuries starting to mount

Benfica are under an injury alert stage of the season as three regular starters hit the infirmary within a few days during this past week. Benfica have lost right back Alexander Bah, midfielder Orkun Kokcu and winger Angel di Maria to injury.

All three players injuries are not deemed to be serious and the trio should not miss extended periods of time but the injuries are serious enough that both Bah and Di Maria will not report for international duty while Kokcu looks to be following suit.

Benfica looking at Boavista right back

Benfica are currently looking to make a move for a right back when the winter transfer window opens up in January as the club currently lacks anyone to back up current starter Alexander Bah who has struggled to stay healthy in the first few months of the season.

Reports from Portugal have Benfica linked with a move to acquire U21 International Pedro Malheiro from Boavista. The 22 year old has been Boavista's regular starter at right back since half way through last season and has appeared in 60 games across all competitions for the northern Portugal club, scoring twice while providing seven helpers.

This move for Malheiro should be cost efficient and give the club the coverage that they are currently lacking since the departure of Gilberto in the summer to Brazil.

Roger Schmidt shows us he is not the smartest guy in the room

Roger Schmidt's starting XI revealed his foolishness as Benfica suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of last seasons Champions League finalists Inter Milan. The match showcased a lack of tactical awareness and poor decision-making on Schmidt's part, ultimately leading to the clubs downfall, as the German skipper seems to not have learned a dam thing from the clubs exit to these same Italians last season.

However, amidst the disappointment, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin looks to have emerged as a potential superstar between the posts as the young Ukrainian kept the score respectable, by turning aside seven shots with the majority on the difficult side which prevented the outcome from becoming embarrassing.

But getting back to Schmidt his team selection to commence the game was questionable from the start as his decision to not play a natural striker and start David Neres, Rafa Silva and Angel di Maria up front did not have the desired effect he seems to have hoped for. Then his choice to leave hard nosed defensive midfielder Florentinto on the sidelines in what was expected to be a tough encounter, left a gapping hole in the middle of the field that was exploited all second half.

Benfica's unwillingness to find a reliable back up at right back during the summer transfer window also did not help the teams cause as the club was forced to play young center back Tomas Araujo in place of Alexander Bah who went down 23 minutes into the game, ending the clubs attacking prowess from that side of the field for the remainder of the encounter.

Schmidt has been slowly losing his shine as his lack of foresight further highlights his inability to read the flow of play accurately and make the appropriate changes, the injury to Bah should have seen the club change to a 3-4-3, this way utilizing the strengths of the players he had on the field, instead Schmidt continues to show us that he is not the smartest guy in the room... again.

Benfica travel to Milan in rematch from last season

The anticipation is building as Benfica, the Portuguese football champions, travel to Milan for a highly anticipated rematch against Inter in Champions League action. The clash is a rematch from last season's quarter-final match up between the two clubs that saw Benfica suffer a heartbreaking elimination at the hands of last seasons finalists.

For Benfica supporters, this match holds great significance. It represents an opportunity to exorcise last seasons demons and to see Benfica's Champions League campaign get back on track after they suffered an opening round game loss to RB Salzburg to kick off this seasons competition.

Benfica are coming off a victory over fierce rivals FC Porto this past weekend and hope to carry the momentum of that victory into tomorrows contest against Inter.

Benfica pull out win over FC Porto in Classico

In a highly anticipated clash between two Portuguese football giants, Benfica emerged victorious with a 1-0 home win over ten-man FC Porto in the O Classico. This thrilling encounter showcased the true essence of classic football, with both teams displaying their skill and determination.

From the first whistle, it was evident that this match would be fiercely contested. The intensity on the pitch was palpable as players from both sides fought for every ball but the game would turn on its head just 19 minutes into the first half as FC Porto defender Fabio Cardoso would receive a straight red card for his tackle on David Neres. 

Porto still looked like the more dominant side of the first half even being down a man but it would be Benfica that would finally strike in the second half when Angel di Maria's shot would deflect off of Wendel past Porto keeper Diogo Costa.

Benfica handed FC Porto their first loss of the season and move into top spot in Portugal with a game in hand on Week 6 leaders Sporting. 

 

Benfica signs agreement with Al-Nasr

Benfica and Emirates club Al-Nasr have announced an agreement between the two organizations that will see Benfica participate in the technical management of Al-Nasr's football academy going forward. A delegation from Benfica was present at the announcement today that included former striker Nuno Gomes. 

No figures have been released by either club on the compensation that Benfica would receive for taking on this role in Dubai but Benfica have had a kit sponsorship agreement with Emirates Airlines since the 2015/16 season and look to continue in their business relationship with the Emirates nation.

Benfica already searching for winter transfer moves

The summer transfer market ended less then a month ago, but Benfica are already looking at potential reinforcements for when the winter window opens and of their main focuses will be to land a right back come January.

Earlier this week Danish newspaper BT reported on Benfica's interest in Nordsjaelland's 21 year old right back Oliver Villadsen as the Eagles look to shore up the right side of the pitch and provide themselves an alternate option to current starter Alexander Bah.

Benfica and Nordsjaelland have acquainted themselves over the past year as the Lisbon club acquired winger Andreas Schjelderup last winter before loaning the winger back to the Danish side for the season this summer. Benfica are hoping that the two clubs familiarity will provide for a smoother transaction when the window re-opens again in negotiating a deal.

Benfica's early mistakes costs them game in Champions League

In a shocking turn of events, Benfica suffered a devastating 2-0 defeat in their opening Champions League game at home to RB Salzburg. The Portuguese giants were left reeling after conceding two penalties and receiving a red card within the first fifteen minutes of the match.

The game started with high hopes for Benfica, as they aimed to make a strong statement in front of their passionate home crowd. However, their dreams quickly turned into a nightmare when RB Salzburg was awarded not one, but two penalties early on. The second resulting in the sending off of defender Antonio Silva at the twelve minute mark due to a handled ball in front of his own goal.

Salzburg striker Karim Konate missed the clubs first attempt from the penalty spot, with a woeful effort that sailed over the bar but his strike partner Roko Simic made no mistake just ten minutes from the same spot, not only giving Salzburg the early lead but Benfica were now down to just ten men.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Benfica showed resilience and fought valiantly throughout the match in hopes of finding an equalizer and may have done so, if not for the superb goaltending of Salzburg keeper Alexander Schlager who turned away six great scoring chances by the time the night had concluded.

Salzburg would double their lead just six minutes into the second half with a bizarre four in on the keeper break that saw 19 year old midfielder Oscar Gloukh find the meshing, as a handful of Benfica's backline were caught out of position looking for an equalizer that became more and more daunting as the game progressed.

This defeat serves as a wake-up call for Benfica and highlights areas that need improvement. Defensive discipline must be addressed urgently to avoid similar catastrophes in future matches. Additionally, maintaining composure under pressure is crucial for success at this level of competition.

Benfica manager Roger Schmidt is not immune to some blame as he continues to baffle fans with his continued use of midfielder Fredrik Aursnes at left back, a move which provides the club with very little attack from that side of the field. 

Also his slow reaction to make changes at the half was on full display in Salzburg's second goal as the players looked gassed and out of position and when he did make substitutions, they were merely like for like and came with no tactical change.

The loss at the Luz is Benfica's second home loss in a row in the Champions League dating back to last season's quarter-final defeat to Inter Milan.

Benfica Fantasy Football 2023/24 Preview

The UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of club football, where the best teams from across Europe battle it out for glory Benfica, one of Portugal's most successful clubs, has a rich history in this prestigious competition. Over the years, they have produced some exceptional fantasy football players who have left an indelible mark on the tournament. 

Here are our player previews for the upcoming fantasy football season.

Anatoliy Trubin - Trubin is undoubtedly a valuable asset. His consistent performances make him an excellent choice for any team manager looking to secure points through clean sheets and saves. Moreover, with Benfica drawn into a challenging group this season, there will be ample opportunities for Trubin to showcase his skills against top-class opposition.

Alexander Bah - Bah is undoubtedly a player worth considering. His consistent performances and potential for goal contributions make him an attractive option for fantasy managers looking to maximize their points tally. Additionally, his relatively low price compared to other star players provides an opportunity for budget management within fantasy teams.

Nico Otamendi - Otamendi offers immense value. Known for his aerial dominance and physicality, he poses a constant threat during set-pieces and can contribute with goals or assists. Additionally, he led last season's Champions League in ball retrievals, making him an attractive option for points accumulation.

Antonio Silva - In terms of statistics, Silva was consistently one of Benfica's top performers last season. He had a number of highlights that influenced the clubs run both domestically and in the Champions League, finishing in the Top 10 in ball retrievals and it is why he should be considered a valuable addition to any fantasy football squad.

Juan Bernat - Bernat is a valuable asset due to his consistent performances and potential for attacking returns. He often finds himself involved in goal-scoring opportunities and has even contributed with assists on several occasions. Moreover, his defensive capabilities make him an attractive option as he has frequently earned clean sheet points from his time at Bayern Munich and PSG and hopes to continue that at Benfica.

Fredrik Aursnes -  Aursnes' versatility adds another dimension to his game. He can seamlessly transition between defensive and attacking roles, adapting to different strategies employed by opponents. This adaptability makes him an unpredictable force that keeps defenders on their toes and this provides him the opportunity to be a good addition to any squad.

Benfica set to kick off Champions League campaign this week

Benfica will start their Champions League campaign at the Estadio da Luz against Austrian side RB Salzburg on Wednesday as they look to get out of the group stage for the third straight season in the hopes of getting past the quarter-final stage which they have been stopped at the past two seasons.

Benfica go into the contest on the back of four straight wins in league play after suffering an opening season defeat and the club is relatively healthy with only left back David Jurasek in the infirmary. Look for Benfica to come out of the gate firing on all cylinders as they look to get their Champions League off to the right start. 

Benfica women capture Super Cup for second year running

Benfica Women captured their second straight Portuguese Super Cup after defeating Sporting on penalties after the two clubs played to a 1-1 draw. The outcome was the same as last season when the two cross town rivals faced off in a match up that saw Benfica also defeat Sporting in additional extra time 4-1.

The Benfica women have now captured three of the last four competitions and get set to kick off their league campaign this weekend as they look to capture their fourth straight league title. Benfica's top rivals for the crown this season will be Sporting, Braga and Famalicao. The four clubs have finished one, two, three and four the past three seasons.

Benfica finds out Taca da Liga group

The Taca da Liga third round group phase has been set with Benfica learning their group members for the 2023/24 title earlier today. Benfica are joined by first division side Arouca and second division side Aves.

Benfica will play a game a piece against both clubs with the top team in the group advancing to the Final Four. Benfica will travel to face Arouca on October 31st and then host Arouca on November 22nd.

Benfica have captured the Taca da Liga seven times with their last victory coming in 2016.