Heat turning up on Roger Schmidt as season winds down

The heat has turned up on Roger Schmidt's future at Benfica after a disappointing season that saw the club capture only the Super Cup to kick off the club's 2023-24 campaign. On too many nights, the club lacked creativity and saw too many poor performances from a squad that, on paper, was the best in Portugal, but Schmidt's tactics and lack of utilization of players contributed to the club's downfall.

Benfica's SAD is now in the process of holding meetings to discuss whether Schmidt is the right man to lead the squad into the 2024-25 season. According to reports out of Portugal, the sacking of Schmidt and his staff would prove to be costly to the club, with the figure said to be €22M over the next two seasons. 

Benfica President Rui Costa now faces the most difficult decision of his term: keep or dismiss Schmidt. The majority of Benfica supporters are against the German continuing as the bench boss of the club. The way Schmidt has lost games, more so than the results of those games themselves, is what has irked supporters to the point of wanting the coach gone.

If Rui Costa goes against the grain and continues with Schmidt, he will then become the main target of supporters, a decision that could prove costly to his future as the President of the club. Benfica fans will look to get Costa's attention tomorrow with a planned protest on the ouster of Schmidt and hope that the President has all eyes on them.

Benfica's Schjelderup excited to return to club after loan

Benfica's 19 year old winger Andreas Schjelderup has spent the season on loan with his former Danish club Nordsjaelland and has been in fine form during the season. Schjelderup has scored seven goals while providing ten assists across 32 competitive games.

Schjelderup recently spoke to Danish radio about his excitement about returning to Benfica in the summer and being prepared to fight for a place with the club next season.

The loan at his former club looks to have brought back the confidence that the youngster seemed to lose after not getting into much game action after arriving at the club during the winter transfer window last year for €9M.

Benfica are happy with the strides that Schjelderup has made this season and hope that this translates onto the field with the club next season.

What now for Benfica after a disappointing season

Benfica President Rui Costa will need to figure out the direction of the club for next season after a deifying past two weeks that saw the club fall twice to rivals and league leaders Sporting in league and Taca de Portugal action and although they do remain mathematically in the title chase, the chances of capturing the league title are slim at best.

Benfica also exited the Europa League in penalties to an inferior opponent in Marseille when manager Roger Schmidt decided that his game plan in the second leg was to protect their first leg win by doing so without high pressure and playing a defensive block. He was punished for his choice of a poor strategic plan, as the club lacked any offensive dynamics.

Schmidt is the big question mark in all of this, as moving on from the German bench boss will cost the club a hefty price tag, but the blame for this dilemma lands squarely at the feet of club President Costa. It was Costa who decided that German deserved an extension to his contract only a few months into his tenure. A decision that the President may have felt differently about if he had just waited for the season to conclude.

Schmidt also continues to show little flexibility and adaptability when his style of play does not work, his lack of proper use of substitutes, even when it clearly calls for them, is one of the more worrying signs for Benfica's future. The club now must decide if they will invest more funds in acquiring the players that fit into his style or move on from him and bring in a new sideline boss with a new identity who can get the most out of what the club already has on hand.

There is no doubt that Benfica, on paper, has the best squad in Portugal, but unfortunately, the game is not played on paper but on grass and on grass is where the club has faltered at almost every turn this season. Benfica fans require someone's head on a platter and President Rui Costa needs to decide what now for Benfica? Before that head is his. 

It's time to see if Benfica has players

When Benfica's game against Farense kicks off on Monday, the club could be as far back as ten points from league leaders Sporting. With little or no chance of catching them for the title at that point, it just makes sense that Benfica sees what they have in players like Orkun Kokce, Tiago Gouveia, Alvaro Fernandez and Marcos Leonardo to name a few.

With the expiring contracts of Rafa Silva and Angel di Maria at season's end. there is no need to give these players a regular spot in the starting XI going forward. There is no need to continue to play Fredrik Aursnes out of position at left back and there is no need for Otamendi to take up the playing minutes from the club's younger backs.

Roger Schmidt Out, is a common noise that you continue to hear from the club faithful, but without some sort of agreement on the departure of the German coach and the club, it may prove to be too costly to make the type of move that a large number of fans would love to see.

What Roger owes the fans after such a miserable season is a chance to see what Benfica has in players he does not use often enough. Let the fans see if these are Benfica players or not. It's the least you can do for the fans, think of it as a parting gift, Roger.

Benfica exit Europa League on penalties after abysmal performance

Benfica arrived in Marseille with a 2-1 lead after defeating the French club just one week ago and decided to lay an egg in the second leg, with a performance that you would not expect to see from a club of Benfica's stature who got their game plan all wrong on this night.

Benfica's blueprint was simple: stay back and protect a lead and hope to possibly score a counterattack goal. This plan allowed an onslaught of Marseille chances that finally paid off in the 79th minute when they scored to equalize the aggregate and take this game to additional extra time.  

Benfica were the better of the two sides in AET since they actually decided to try to get the win but by then, Marseille's players made sure to lay all over the grass, cramping and wasting time, hoping to get to penalties. The French club's plan would actually pay off, as Benfica would succumb on penalties 4-2 thanks to misses by both Angel di Maria and Antonio Silva (Why?).

Benfica looks set to end the 2023-24 season by capturing only the Super Cup back in August. This amounts to a total failure of a season for a club that, on paper, has the best squad in Portugal but may be led by the worst manager among Portugal's top clubs.

Roger Schmidt has shown that his time at Benfica should be over, as to go into Marseille with a game plan as if they were facing Manchester City was idiotic. The French club dominated the contest thanks to the fact that they were the only team that decided to show up for the majority of the game.

Schmidt's substitute choices, although minimal again, had little effect on the game, but worse yet, his decision to remove David Neres over Rafa Silva or Angel di Maria was mind-boggling, with the Brazilian creating what little attack the club had.

Rui Costa needs to find a way out of the two remaining years of Schmidt's contract and if not, hand the German and his staff €22M to go away. The money lost by keeping Schmidt and company around at the club could become astronomical and cost the President his place on top of the club if he has not yet realized this is the move to make.

The 2023-24 season has a few weeks remaining and then we can all enjoy our summer months and hope that next season does not leave the taste of manure in our mouths once again. See ya Rafa, See ya Di Maria, See ya Schmidt, one can only hope.

Benfica, rested and ready for Europa League match

Benfica head to France for Thursday's second leg encounter against Marseille, having rested their regular starters this weekend as they look to advance to the final four of the Europa League, holding a current 2-1 advantage on aggregate.

Benfica manager Roger Schmidt actually did the unexpected and gave various starters the league game off on Sunday, with some players, playing as little as forty-five minutes before being substituted in the club's 3-0 victory over Moreirense.

Benfica are hoping the rest re-energizes their regular starters as they face the tough task of trying to escape the Velodrome unscathed and cementing their place in the competition's final four. The winner of the Benfica/Marsielle matchup will take on the winner of Liverpool/Atalanta, with Atalanta holding a surprising 3-0 advantage over the English based club.

Benfica need to rest players for Marseille rematch

Benfica go into tomorrow's league game against Moreirense needing to rest some of their key players, with a big second leg rematch against Marseille on the horizon on Thursday. 

Benfica manager Roger Schmidt has started the same XI the past three games with few substitutes used during these contests and will need to refocus the squad for a final four spot in the Europa League after falling seven points behind league leaders Sporting going into their game tomorrow.

Schmidt would be wise to rest players like Rafa Silva, Fredrik Aursnes, Otamendi, Antonio Silva, Joao Neves and Angel di Maria, all of whom have appeared in over 3,500 minutes of action this season. With the Portuguese League title looking more and more like a pipe dream with six games to go. 

Will the German bench boss do the smart thing and have his key players rested, or will he continue to show the fans that he can be as clueless as they come. We will all find out that answer in the next 16 hours.

Benfica defeat Marseille for first leg lead

Benfica will head to France to face Marseille in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final encounter with one foot in the competition's semi-final round after a 2-1 victory over the French club, but they will be disappointed with conceding a goal to the French club when they were in full control of the game in the the first hour of play.

A pair of goals from Rafa Silva and Angel di Maria had the home side up 2-0 early in the second half before Aubameyang cut the lead in half at the 67th mark. Benfica striker Casper Tengstedt will rue a couple of missed opportunities that could have put this two leg contest out of reach, but hence is the game of football.

Roger Schmidt continues to struggle to make adjustments to his tactics after the opposition makes some tweaks to their style of play during the game and his lack of substitution usage of late is definitely a head scratcher especially when players look exhausted on the field. Here is hoping the club can go into France and play like they did the first hour of this contest and not the last thirty minutes.

 

Benfica respond to Marseille police and tell French fans to stay home

Benfica have responded to the Marseille police's actions and have banned Marseille club fans from attending the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final game less than 48 hours before kickoff.

Benfica announced earlier today that, after receiving communication from French authorities, the club's fans would not be permitted to attend the second leg in France. The club pursued the action of canceling the tickets of Marseille fans who were set to attend the first leg at the Estadio da Luz on Thursday after speaking to local authorities.

The club will now reissue the tickets to only club members and has informed the club's fans not to travel to France for the second leg to avoid potential tense situations. Benfica stated that it regrets the decision of French authorities, which calls into question the spirit of the sport.

Benfica season could all be for not with Sporting loss

Benfica suffered a devastating loss yesterday to their archrivals and league leaders Sporting 2-1 after the Lions scored the winner early in injury time. Benfica now sits four points behind Sporting, who can stretch that lead to seven with a victory as they hold a game in hand over Benfica.

With six games left in the season, this kind of lead can turn into an insurmountable amount without a complete collapse by Sporting. Benfica are still alive in the Europa League, but their lack of creativity in recent games does not give fans much excitement that they can do what is required to move past Marseille and into the semi-finals.

The fans frustration with manager Roger Schmidt continues to increase as his lack of in-game adjustments with substitutions or tactics might finally put the German on thin ice with the club's management team as well. Schmidt continues to be outcoached and outclassed in games of importance this season and his stubbornness to constantly play his players out of position proved costly on the opening goal yesterday.

The season is not over and Benfica will do their best to fight until the bitter end, but yesterday's loss has almost hammered the casket shut on the club's season. This is not what you would expect from a club that has the best and deepest squad in the league.

Al-Sadd make offer to Rafa Silva

Qatari club Al-Sadd have returned back into the picture as they look to land Benfica's Rafa Silva in the summer once the player's contract runs out with his Portuguese side. Al-Sadd tried to land Rafa before the start of the current season but were not able to agree to terms for a move, but now are hoping that the 30 year old will make the choice to become a member of the club during the 2024-25 season.

Al-Sadd is said to have offered Rafa a substantial raise of upwards of €7.5M per season for three years, but Rafa chose to remain at Benfica and finish out his contract with the club. Rafa has been one of Benfica's top performers this season, scoring 19 goals while providing 14 helpers across 46 games for the club. Benfica still hopes to retain Rafa's services next season but will be in tough against the deep pockets of Al-Sadd.

Benfica suffer first strike with Taca de Portugal loss

Although Benfica played well in their second leg Taca de Portugal semi-final draw, it was not enough to advance to the semi-finals as they lost to Sporting on aggregate 4-3, handing them their first strike in what is a crucial next two weeks in defining their season, as we discussed in our previous blog.

Benfica in for rough next two weeks

Benfica will now need a victory on Saturday in a rematch against Sporting in what could be a league title deciding match as the Lisbon club goes into Alvalade one point behind their city rivals, who hold a game in hand. A loss by Benfica would see them fall back four points from the top spot, and a win by Sporting in their game in hand would see the lead stretched to seven points with only six games remaining on the season.

Benfica are also still a part of the final eight clubs in the Europa League competition and are set for their first leg next Thursday against French side Marseille. Benfica are hoping that their cup hopes will not go by the wayside when the end of next week comes around.... here is hoping that they are.

Benfica in for a tough next two weeks

The season could all be decided for Benfica over the next two weeks as the club gets set for a series of important contests. The first happening in two days time as they host Sporting in the second leg of the Taca de Portugal semi-final, a contest they go into down 2-1 after the first leg and needing a victory to remain in the competition.

Benfica and Sporting will then do it all over again on Saturday in league action, this time at the Alvalade, where a win by Sporting could all but decide this season's Portuguese League champions. Benfica will then top off this intense schedule, when they host French side Marseille at the Luz in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final next Thursday.

These next two weeks are vital for Benfica's season, as they could be all in or all out after they are done, as the current football season winds down to its conclusion.

Benfica need to drop Di Maria if they are to win title

In another time, the Angel di Maria signing would have been a coup by a Portuguese club, but in 2024, the signing is looking more and more like a waste of resources as Benfica continue to struggle to develop play when the 36 year old Argentinian is on the field.

Di Maria's pace of play looks more suitable to be applied in North America's Major League Soccer or the Saudi Pro League, but in the Portuguese League it is too slow and at many times, proves costly in the Eagles developing a fast attacking pace. A club of Benfica's stature can not continue to struggle to find the goal against the minnows of the world but this is what we are witnessing regularly with this slow build up.

Now, this is not to say that Di Maria has not had his share of brilliant moments this season; he has, but for a club that continues to funnel an attack constantly through him when he is on the field, more often than not, that attack has often stalled. This cannot continue if Benfica has any hopes of capturing the Portuguese League title when the season wraps.

With a pair of big games coming up against league leaders Sporting over the next eight days. The club's title hopes could be all but over come next Saturday. Benfica travels to Alvalade on April 6th, needing a win in league action to close the gap on Sporting, but before that, they will host their crosstown rivals at the Luz in the second leg of the Taca de Portugal semi-final, in which they go in trailing after the first leg 2-1.

Benfica manager Roger Schmidt is also at fault in this disorganized bunch with his constant insistence on playing players out of positions they are most comfortable in to succeed, but here is hoping that maybe, just maybe, he sees what we all can see when Di Maria is on the pitch, but knowing the German.... he seems more the willing to go down with the sinking ship. Let's see how it all plays out

 

Benfica to return to action on Holy Day

Benfica will host Chaves on Good Friday as the club goes into the final stretch of the season looking to capture the Portuguese league title for the second consecutive season. Benfica has eight contests left and trails league leaders Sporting by one point, although their club rival has a game in hand and could stretch the lead to four points.

Benfica will travel to Alvalade to take on Sporting in a Week 28 clash that could all but decide this season's champion. A victory by Benfica could go  a long way in putting pressure on Sporting, which will still need to face nemesis FC Porto at the Dragao at the end of next month. Benfica are also still alive in the Europa League, so they will have more games on the docket than their competitors.

Taarabt says he and Vitoria were not fond of one another

Former Benfica midfielder Adel Taarabt, who is currently in the UAE playing for Al-Nasr, recalled his time at the club during a recent interview with the national news in the UAE. Taarabt admitted that he had no interest in joining Benfica at first, but it was the insistence of former club President Luis Felipa Vieira, who offered Taarabt a five year contract after spending four hours with the midfielder, that changed his mind.

Taarabt, who is now 34 years old, also mentioned his cold relationship with former Benfica coach Rui Vitoria, stating that the two were not fond of one another during their time together, which all started in the summer of 2015 when the Moroccan international arrived at Vitoria's first camp in charge 17 pounds overweight. 

The former Benfica bench boss went on to punish Taarabt by not giving him a minute of playing time during his first camp at the club and went as far as not even saying good morning. Taarabt's career at Benfica did get better as he went on to appear in 129 contests for the club across all competitions, scoring twice while providing fourteen helpers.

 

Benfica with eyes on Famalicao midfielder

Benfica are one of the various clubs with their eyes set on Portugal U21 attacking midfielder Gustavo Sa, who currently applies his trade with Famalicao in the Portuguese League. Famalicao is said to not have been approached by any club for the services of the 19 year old, but according to reports out of Portugal but, this should change as the summer transfer window closes in.

Sa has come up through Famalicao's youth system since joining at the age of 14 and made his senior debut last season with the northern Portugal club. Sa has appeared in 24 games across all competitions this season, scoring three goals while also providing three helpers.

Famalicao is a financially healthy club and holds all the cards in negotiations with Sa signed until the summer of 2027. Benfica will have to fight off league rivals FC Porto for Sa's signature, while clubs such as Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Stuttgart have also been linked to the midfielder.

Alexander Bah released by Denmark with injury

Benfica right back Alexander Bah has been released from national team duty for Denmark due to a minor injury. Bah started this weekend's contest against Casa Pia and was substituted in the 89th minute of the game, but no mention of the often injured right back was made at that time.

Bah has appeared in twenty-four contests with the club this season across all competitions but has missed a host of contests due to a foot injury that sidelined him for three months. Bah also missed a bunch of games last season as his trips to the club's infirmary room increases and Benfica will hope the latest knock is not serious as the club fights for the league title.

Kokcu under fire for unauthorized interview

Orkun Kokcu's season has not gone very well at Benfica since his arrival in the summer, other than some moments of brilliance, the Turkish international has had his fair share of disappointing performances throughout the season.

Now the 23 year old finds himself in hot water with the club, thanks to an unauthorized interview given with a Dutch newspaper, De Telegraaf, in which he talks about his difficult season at Benfica and criticizes coach Roger Schmidt's usage of the player when he is positioned out on the field.

Kokcu did not say in the interview that he wants to depart the club and would like to succeed while at Benfica, but he hopes Roger Schmidt uses him properly on the field, so that he can provide the quality he feels he has yet to show to the club and prove to the fans that the highest signing in club history is not actually a bust.

The club has been silent on the interview to date, with only manager Roger Schmidt acknowledging the outburst in an pre-game interview and remarking that he will speak to the player privately. Disciplinary action is expected against Kokcu by the club for breaking club protocols, which could amount to a suspension or fine for his actions.

Benfica advance in Europa and find out next opponents

Benfica pulled out a victory yesterday over Rangers 1-0 in their second leg Europa League round of 16 game at Ibrox in Glasgow to advance 3-2 on aggregate and move into the final eight of the competition. In what turned into a sloppy affair, thanks to a constant downpour of rain, a second half Rafa Silva goal was the difference as the club moved one step closer to the final in Dublin.

The club learned just a few hours ago that their next round opponent will be French club Marseille, who have turned their game around after a managerial change over the past few weeks. The first leg will go on April 11 at the Estadio da Luz, with the second a week later in Marseille at the Velodrome. The winner of this contest will take on the winner of Liverpool or Atalanta in the semi-finals of the competition.

Benfica's Rafa Silva named player of the month for February

Benfica forward Rafa Silva has been named the Portuguese League player of the month for February in a distinction promoted by the players union, after scoring five goals, while setting up an additional two in four games of action.

Rafa is the first Benfica player to win the award this season, as Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres has dominated the award all season long since arriving in the summer at the club's green and white rivals.

Benfica continue defensive struggles in disappointing home draw

Benfica were the better club on the night in a draw in their first leg encounter against Scottish side Rangers at the Estadio da Luz, but the club will be disappointed once again with their defensive struggles, which has seen the club allow nine goals in their past three competitive games.

Benfica will now travel to Glasgow to take on the Rangers in the second leg of this round of 16 match, hoping that lady luck shines on them and not on Rangers keeper Butland, who made numerous sensational stops on the night preventing Benfica from scoring four or five in this game.

Instead, Benfica trailed the game twice and needed an own goal in the second half to get level. Benfica are hoping for a strong performance this weekend in league action when they host Estoril before traveling to Scotland for the second leg against Rangers on Thursday.

Roger Schmidt feeling the heat at Benfica

Roger Schmidt could not have had a worse past week on the Benfica sidelines, falling to both of the club's bitter rivals. Benfica lost the first leg to Sporting in the Taca de Portugal semi-final 2-1 midweek, before traveling to take on FC Porto in a league game, where they were handily outplayed in a 5-0 thumping in the always intense O Classico.

Making matters worse, Schmidt did not feel that he needed to apologize to the club's fans for the pathetic display by the club against FC Porto. The loss cost the club the top spot in the league. What has been very infuriating to fans is Schmidt's constant insistence on playing players out of position, especially in the right back and left back spots.

Benfica are in the process of preparing for this weeks Europa League first leg at the Estadio da Luz against Scottish club Rangers in what could turn into a very hostile environment for the club if the Rangers score first. There is no doubt that fans will enter the stadium with their white handkerchiefs, with many wanting the head of the German manager on a platter.

Benfica President Rui Costa knows the heat is on his club and he may have no choice but to part ways with Schmidt after signing him to a two year extension prematurely, half way through last season. Benfica fans are not only expecting a victory on Thursday, but a convincing win, as a Benfica exit in the Europa League could prove fatal to Schmidt and his time at the club.

Benfica land first reinforcement for next season

Benfica have made their first signing for next season and it did not cost them a cent in transfer fees, as according to reports out of Portugal, the club have put pen to paper with the acquisition of Mainz midfielder Leonardo Barreiro.

The midfielder went through medical examinations in Germany and it is being reported that the contract he and the club signed will be for five seasons. The 24 year old is a Luxembourg international and has been with Mainz since the summer of 2017.

Barreiro should fit nicely into Roger Schmidt's system, as he is considered a box to box midfielder with a strong tactical culture. Barreiro has appeared in 142 games for Mainz across all competitions, scoring nine goals while setting up eleven.

Benfica travel to Dragao to take on FC Porto in O Classico

The rivalry between Benfica and FC Porto is one of the most intense in Portuguese football, with matches between the two teams always highly anticipated. This weekend, Benfica will travel to the Estadio do Dragao on Sunday to face their arch-rivals in a crucial league game.

Known as O Classico, this match is not just about three points, but also about pride and bragging rights. Both teams have a long history of success and passionate fan bases, making every encounter between them a spectacle no matter where they are in the standings.

Benfica will be looking to secure a victory on Porto's home turf to remain atop the league. However, FC Porto will be determined to defend their fortress and close the gap on top spot, while maintaining their hold on third spot.

As the players take to the field, emotions will run high and every moment will be filled with tension and excitement. The outcome of this match could have far-reaching implications for both teams' seasons. It promises to be a thrilling clash that fans won't want to miss.

Benfica lose first leg of Taca to city rivals Sporting

Benfica took until the second half and the 65th minute of the game to actually wake up as Sporting controlled the game handily up, until that point. It took an Aursnes strike to cut the club's deficit in half to 2-1 before the club started to make the hosts sweat for the final 35 minutes of the game.

That would be the only marker that Benfica would get on this night, as they would go down to their cross town rivals in the first leg of their Taca de Portugal semi-final encounter, with the second leg set to take place at the Luz in early April.

The game did not end without its controversies as Benfica had an Angel di Maria equalizer waived off when the officials ruled that striker Tengstedt was in an offside position and hampered the keepers chance to stop Di Maria's shot even though he had no part in the build up to the play. 

Benfica manager Roger Schmidt decided to go with a false nine once again, but it would have the opposite effect he was hoping, instead nullifying Rafa Silva up front and the club looked much better with the entrance of striker Tengstedt in the 61st minute.

Benfica will not have much time to dwell on the contest as they get set to travel north to Dragao to take on FC Porto in the O Classico in league action on Sunday.

Angel di Maria to have Netflix special

Angel di Maria will be the next football star to have his own documentary on streaming giant Netflix. Di Maria's documentary is said to be set for release later this year or in early 2025. Filming has already started in Rosario, Argentina. With actors set to play many of the characters in the documentary, including Di Maria's mother and siblings.

Di Maria will provide his voice to the memories of him working in a charcoal factory along side his father and when his mother took him to training on a bicycle in the heavy rain. The Di Maria special looks to immortalize a player who has a knack for scoring big goals in many finals for his nation, from the Under 20 World Cup win in 2007 to the World Cup victory in 2022. 

Benfica next opponents in Europa League will be Rangers

Benfica learned their round of 16 Europa League opponents earlier today when they were drawn against Scottish side Rangers. The two legged affair will start off at the Estadio da Luz on March 7th, with the return leg at Ibrox one week later, on the 14th.

The two clubs are no strangers in the Europa League, having been paired together during the 2020-21 group stage. The club's played a pair of very entertaining games during the competition, both ending in draws, 2-2 and 3-3, respectively. 

Benfica escape France with a draw to advance in Europa League

Benfica have advanced to the round of 16 in the Europa League after a scoreless draw in France against Toulouse. Benfica held off the determined French side in the second half to maintain a clean sheet in their second leg encounter, thanks in part to a star performance by stud keeper Anatoliy Trubin. The draw was enough to move on after a 2-1 home victory just a week ago.

Benfica missed a host of chances in the first half to open the scoring and extend their aggregate lead, but sat back in the second half and it almost proved costly. Overall, it was another poor performance by the club over a full 90 minutes and they will need to bring their game to a different level if they hope to continue to move forward in the competition.

Benfica will find out their opponents tomorrow, with the draw taking place in Nyon, Switzerland. Benfica's potential opponent will be one of West Ham, Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool, Atalanta, Brighton, Villarreal, Slavia Prague or Rangers. 

In other action involving Portuguese clubs, Sporting will join Benfica in the round of 16 after advancing 4-2 on aggregate over Young Boys. While Braga were eliminated after a second leg victory, in a game that went into additional extra time. Qarabag scored an injury time goal just a couple of minutes before the club's were set to head to penalties, to win the aggregate 6-5.

 

Benfica travel to France looking to advance in Europa League

Benfica get set to travel to France to take on Toulouse in their second leg of the round of 32 Europa League encounter on Thursday as the club arrives in town holding a 2-1 advantage after last week's home victory at the Estadio da Luz.

Benfica are coming off a sparkling performance in league action that saw the club defeat Vizela 6-1, as Roger Schmidt decided to finally rest some of his regular starters with six changes to the starting XI that played last Thursday against Toulouse.

A Benfica victory or draw will move the Eagles into the round of 16 and with the away goal rule removed by UEFA, a one goal loss would see the two clubs go into additional time.

Benfica are hoping that their finishing in this game will mirror their league performance Sunday and not the Thursday performance against the French club, which saw the club fail to capitalize on a host of chances at the Luz. 

The game will kick off at 5:45pm WEST

Angola approach Benfica midfielder Florentino to join nation

Angola's football federation has made an approach towards Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis about playing international football for the African nation that his ancestors are from and turning away from Portugal, a country he has called home since his birth, growing up in Sintra, a district of Lisbon.

Florentino has appeared for Portugal at every youth level since making his first appearance with the nation's under 15 squad and at 24 years old, he still holds the dream of donning the Selecao jersey at the senior level in his heart.

This is not the first approach by Angola towards Florentino, but the answer they have received from the player has always been the same. The gifted defensive midfielder, who first honed his skills playing futsal, joined Benfica's academy in 2010 at the tender age of 10.

Here is hoping that Portugal manager Roberto Martinez recognizes the play of Florentino sooner rather than later in his next round of selections, as the feisty midfielder has deserved a call up for some time now. Angola has already noticed.

Benfica edge Toulouse in first leg Europa League action

Angel di Maria converted his second penalty of the second half, eight minutes into injury time, to hand Benfica a 2-1 first leg victory over French side Toulouse. Benfica were the better club on the night, but Toulouse almost escaped the Estadio da Luz with a draw due to the Lisbon club's failure to convert a host of chances.

Benfica fired 27 total shots on goal, which was more than quadruple the attempts Toulouse managed, but they had to wait until they were awarded a penalty in the 68th minute after Toulouse defender Logan Costa handled the ball with his hand. Angel di Maria converted from the spot with a kick down the middle of the net.

Toulouse would equalize the game just seven minutes later when a chaotic ping pong type of exchange saw the ball land on the foot of right back Mikkel Desler who slid it past Benfica keeper Trubin. Benfica pressed forward, looking to regain the lead, but had to wait until a foul in the box saw defender Mawissa step on striker Marcos Leonardo's foot as the 20 year old attempted a shot on goal.

The two clubs will face off again in the second leg of the encounter in France next Thursday, where Benfica will hope to play to the same level as they did on this night but some minor tweaks should be looked at with the club looking to advance to the round of 16.

In other results involving Portuguese League clubs, Sporting defeated Young Boys 3-1 while Braga lost to Qarabag 4-2.

Benfica ready themselves to face Toulouse in Europa League

Benfica are readying themselves to host French side Toulouse in the first leg of their Europa League round of 32 playoff tomorrow, as the club looks for a victory to kick off their return to the Europa League after missing out on the Champions League round of 16.

Benfica will be looking to take advantage of the first leg at home before traveling to France for the second leg next Thursday. Benfica last appeared in the Europa League during the 2020-21 season, where the club was eliminated at this same stage of the competition by Arsenal.

Orkun Kokcu slowing turning into a bust signing

The season is over 60% complete and big summer signing Orkun Kokcu, who just last season was named the Eredivisie's most valuable player, is still trying to find his footing in the Primeira Liga.

The Turkish midfielder has struggled more times than not this season, with some flashes of brilliance and fans are hoping that a player for whom the club paid a near record fee of €25M to arrive from Feyenoord does not turn into the club's all time bust signing.

The 23 year old has appeared in 27 contests across all competitions, scoring twice while providing seven helpers in 1,824 minutes of action, but Kokcu has failed to dominate games on most nights and leaves fans shaking their heads with his wayward performances.

Kokcu will need to learn to become a more sturdy midfielder if he is to succeed at the club and luckily for him and us, he still has four plus seasons to show us if he is the player the club thought they were getting or if he is to become the club's all time bust signing. Only time will answer that question.

Arthur Cabral finds the net more since arrival of Leonardo

It may not be a coincidence that Arthur Cabral's best football since his arrival at Benfica has coincided with the arrival of 20 year old striker Marcos Leonardo during the winter transfer window.

Cabral has scored in three consecutive games across all competitions, just one shy of his season total before this run and it looks like he is finally rounding into the player the club expected when they paid €20M for his arrival from Fiorentina in the summer.

Benfica manager Roger Schmidt feels that Cabral has started to succeed because of an adjustment to his playing style, which is starting to mesh with his Benfica teammates. The striker is now playing a more flexible style and is seeing results because of it.

Cabral's under study Marcos Leonardo has found the net three times in limited playing time and Cabral no doubt knows that his minutes will vanish quickly if his early season form creeps back in.

Benfica travel to Vizela for quarter-final Taca game

Benfica head up to Vizela to face off in a quarter-final encounter of the Taca de Portugal tomorrow evening, a victory by the Lisbon club will see them move into the semi-finals and face their cross town rivals Sporting in a two legged affair for a spot in the Finals.

Benfica last captured the Taca de Portugal back in 2017 but have not made it further then the quarter-final stage in the past two editions of the tournament. Look for Benfica to go with their regular starting XI which has become a staple of Roger Schmidt's coaching campaign with the club.

Did Benfica say Yes to the Super League?

According to Barcelona President Joao Laporta, Benfica is one of the clubs that is open to joining a newly created European Super League that will look to challenge UEFA's Champions League as the premier soccer club competition in Europe.

Laporta spoke to Spanish radio station RAC1 late last week and was optimistic that the Super League would get off the ground in the next year or two and named Benfica as one of three Portuguese clubs, with Sporting and FC Porto the others.

Benfica have not commented on Laporta's remarks at this time and it is unknown if they actually will. We can clearly see what could have Benfica interested in joining the breakaway league and that is money, loads and loads of money being promised to clubs by the league's organizers.

Will the Super League happen? That is a great question, but with only Barcelona and Real Madrid committing to the league, we are a long way from knowing what that answer might be.

Trubin's stay at Benfica could be short lived

Benfica keeper Anatoliy Trubin appeared on a You Tube podcast, where he was interviewed by blogger Povoroznyuk Dmytro and stated his desire to join the Premiership one day. 

Trubin was very complimentary of Benfica during the interview and has enjoyed his time with the club since joining this past summer. Trubin's agent added that he plans to keep an eye on the Premiership when the summer transfer window opens, fueling speculation that the keeper could be on the move sooner rather than later.

Trubin arrived in Lisbon from Shakhtar Donetsk for €10M and became the club's regular starter by Week 5 of the season. Benfica have cashed in on a variety of keepers over the years, with the likes of Jan Oblak and Ederson once donning the Eagles red jersey.

Benfica ins and outs during the winter transfer window

The winter transfer window in most of the world has now officially closed, but Portugal still has one day remaining in their window. A host of smaller leagues do remain open a bit longer, but the big name leagues have all officially closed their doors to player additions until the summer.

Benfica had a busy window, with a bunch of players arriving and departing during the window. Benfica's biggest addition during the winter window was the acquisition of striker Marcus Leonardo, who arrived from Santos and cost the club €18M. Their biggest subtraction was the departure of striker Petar Musa to FC Dallas for €10M up front, with some potential add-ons down the road.

Here is a look at the comings and goings for Benfica during the winter transfer window:

 

Arrivals:

Marcos Leonardo - €18M fee from Santos

Gianluca Prestianni - €9M fee from Velez Sarsfield

Benjamin Rollheiser - Loan with mandatory buy €9.5M from Estudiantes

Alvaro Fernandez - Loan from Manchester United

 

Departures:

Petar Musa - €10M fee to FC Dallas

Lucas Verissimo - €9M fee to Al-Duhail

Joao Victor - €6M fee to Vasco da Gama

Chiquinho - €1M fee to Olympiacos

Gabriel Pires - Free Transfer to Fluminense

David Jurasek - Loan to Hoffenheim

Goncalo Guedes - Loan ended by Wolverhampton