Benfica to face Braga in Taca da Liga semis

Benfica found out their opponents in the Taca da Liga Final Four as they will face old foes and defending champions Braga in a Final Four that will see Portugal's top four clubs face off once again for the League Cup.

Benfica defeated Santa Clara 3-0 yesterday in the quarter-final stage with a flurry of late goals in the final 18 minutes of the game as striker Pavlidis scored a brace, snapping him out of a funk after Angel di Maria opened the scoring for the Lisbon club.

Braga defeated their Minho rivals Guimaraes 2-1 earlier today to move into the head to head contest against Benfica in early January. The other semi-final will see Sporting take on FC Porto with the winners of each contest moving into the Finals played in Leiria on January 11, 2025.

This will be the third time in the past six competitions that the Final Four will feature the same clubs as this year. Each team has won the competition with Benfica (7), Sporting (4), Braga (3) and FC Porto (1) having capturing all but two titles since the tournaments inception.

Benfica ready for Taca da Liga opener

Benfica get set to kick off their Taca da Liga campaign at the Luz against Santa Clara tomorrow in a revamped competition that will only see eight clubs compete for an opportunity to capture this trophy. What is now a mini tournament will have last season's top six finishers in the top flight and the top two clubs from the previous season in the second division go at it.

Benfica is still the most successful club since the launch of this competition during the 2007-08 season and have captured the trophy seven times but last won the competition in 2016. Benfica did make the finals in 2022 but where defeated 2-1 to Sporting. The Final Four will take place in Leiria over four days in January, with the Final on January 11, 2025.

Benfica back in league action after a month

Benfica return to league action tomorrow when they face Rio Ave at the Luz after what has been a long layoff from league play thanks to a postponed Week 8 game against Nacional in early October due to poor weather in the Madeira. Benfica last played a league game on September 28 when they defeated Gil Vicente 5-1 at home in Week 7.

Benfica look to shake off a disappointing display from their mid-week Champions League encounter which resulted in a loss to Dutch club Feyenoord. The loss was Bruno Lage's first in seven games since his rehiring at the club in mid September.

Benfica suffer tough loss to Feyenoord in Champions League

In a surprising twist, Benfica faced a tough defeat at home against Feyenoord, ending Bruno Lage's run of six victories since returning to the club. The Champions League match saw the home fans hope for yet another win after the impressive victory over Atletico Madrid. Instead, they witnessed disappointment as the final score read 3-1 in favour of the visitors.

From the opening kick-off, the night took a sharp turn. Feyenoord struck first, sending the away fans into a frenzy and never looked back in a game that saw three goals called back due to VAR decisions, two against Feyenoord and one against Benfica.

Kerem Akturkoglu scored again to continue his hot start to the season cutting the Dutch sides lead in half with 24 minutes left in the game but some uninspiring coverage on a set piece in injury time ended any hope of gaining an equalizer as Feyenoord left Lisbon with all three points.

The Eagles will need to tighten their backline if they want to compete at this level. With five games remaining in the league, learning from their mistakes is crucial. Can they bounce back from this setback? The road ahead is tough, but this team has the heart to rise again even if they need to travel to Munich to face Bayern in two weeks.

This defeat was especially bitter for Bruno Lage. After an impressive six-game winning streak, losing at home would sting. The fans rallied behind him, hoping for a solid performance to keep the momentum. However, this setback raises questions. What went wrong? Was it the players’ mentality or issues with the game plan? Losing at home is like losing a piece of your own territory. The team will need to regroup and rethink their strategy moving forward.

Benfica return to action in Champions League

Benfica is back on the field in Europe, as they prepare to face Feyenoord at home, the excitement is buzzing. This is their third match in the Champions League and Benfica is ready to keep their perfect run alive. Coach Bruno Lage is chasing his seventh win in a row since returning to the club and there’s plenty of momentum behind the team going into the game after a huge home win over Atletico Madrid in their last European contest.

Every time Benfica steps onto the pitch in the Champions League, there's a sense of thrill in the air. With two wins already under their belt, they’re feeling confident. They’ve scored goals, defended well, and shown flair. Facing Feyenoord, a strong Dutch side, they know this match is crucial.

Benfica’s attacking force has been impressive. Players are moving with speed and creativity. Fans are excited to see how they’ll break down Feyenoord’s defense. The team's chemistry is strong, and every player seems to be playing their best and knows their role. 

Bruno Lage has a clear plan. His goal is to keep that winning streak alive. He emphasizes teamwork, and the players are buying into his vision. Lage encourages his squad to play attacking football while remaining solid at the back. This balance is key in high-pressure matches like this one.

In practice, you can see the preparations. The players are sharpening their skills and building confidence. They focus on passing, movement, and finding that perfect shot. Every detail counts when you’re eyeing a win in the Champions League.

Feyenoord is not to be underestimated as they have yet to lose in the Eredivisie and have suffered one loss all season which came at the hands of Bayer Leverkusen in this competition. They’ve got talent on their roster and experience in European competitions. 

Playing at home is a big deal. Benfica has a passionate fan base that creates an electric atmosphere. When the fans cheer, it fuels the players. The Estádio da Luz will be packed, and the energy from the stands can lift the team to great heights.

Supporters will be chanting, waving flags, and creating a scene that boosts morale. This support can be the difference-maker in tight situations. Benfica thrives on that home advantage, and the players know how much it matters.

Riding high on a winning streak puts Benfica in a strong position. As they eye progression in the tournament, staying focused and determined will be vital. They can’t afford to overlook any detail.

The countdown to kick-off is on, and excitement is reaching a peak. Will Benfica extend their winning streak against Feyenoord? The pressure is on, but with Bruno Lage at the helm and a squad full of talent, they’re ready to give it their all on Wednesday.

Benfica to kick off Taca de Portugal campaign

Benfica will kick off their 2024-25 Taca de Portugal campaign against minnow Pevidem later today. Benfica enter the third round of the competition looking to capture their 30th title in the competition and a cup that they last won in 2017.

Benfica's opponents today Pevidem currently play in the fourth tier of the Portuguese pyramid and hail from the Guimaraes region. Benfica should dress a line up that focuses on giving playing time to players that are normally substitutes but will need to be cautious in their approach to avoid a major upset. 

Benfica will be without Prestianni for two weeks

Benfica received bad news on the return from international duty of youngster Gianluca Prestianni who suffered an ankle injury in his stint with Argentina's U20 side and is set to miss at minimum two weeks of action.

Prestianni has appeared in seven games for Benfica this season across all competitions but he has yet to find the scoresheet in his 275 minutes of action with no goals or any helpers during his time on the field. The 18 year old could miss 5 competitive games for Benfica and the club will assess the injury over the next few weeks.

 

Renato Sanches, remember him? He is set to return from injury

After a tough battle with a muscle injury that kept him out for more than a month, Renato Sanches is back in training with Benfica. This news brings hope to fans and teammates alike. But the real question lingers: how long can he stay fit this time?

Sanches has had a rocky road with injuries throughout his career. It’s like trying to catch a butterfly with a net that has holes in it—no matter how hard he tries, something keeps slipping through. His latest muscle injury sidelined him, making it tough for him to contribute to the team.

Returning to Benfica feels like a comeback story waiting to happen. Sanches has always had the skills that shine bright on the field. He can dribble, pass, and shoot, making him a key player for the team. Benfica, known for its rich history and passionate fans, could be the perfect stage for him to show what he's got.

But will he be able to stay in the game long enough to make an impact? Every time he steps onto the pitch, there’s a shadow of doubt about whether he can remain injury-free. It’s similar to a tightrope walker; one wrong move, and it could all come crashing down.

Injuries have nagged Sanches like an unwelcome guest. His constant setbacks raise eyebrows and cause concern among fans and coaches, which brings his reliability to the squad in question. Sanches has appeared in only two games this season, both as a substitute.

As Sanches resumes training, fans hope this time will be different. With proper conditioning and care, he might just find a way to keep his body in check. But the lingering question remains: is this a fresh start, or just another chapter in a story of struggles?

Benfica fans are eager to see how Sanches will perform and whether he can shake off his injury woes. If he can find that balance between pushing himself and listening to his body, he might just turn the tide.

Sanches is hoping to get into action this upcoming weekend when Benfica enters the Taca de Portugal competition and face Pevidem in third round action.

Benfica's potential opponents in the Club World Cup

This upcoming summer's Club World Cup in the United States which will feature 32 clubs is all but set with only two spots yet to be determined as clubs from around the globe via to be named the best club in the world through the first time competition.

The tournament will follow the same type of schedule and format as the World Cup. It will feature eight groups of four clubs and take place over a four week span, kicking off on June 15, 2025 with the Final taking place at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025. 

Benfica are one of two Portuguese clubs taking part in the tournament with northern rivals FC Porto also qualifying for the competition through a point system as one of the eight best clubs over the past four seasons outside of Champions League winners. The group stage draw will take place on December 2024.

These clubs have qualified for the tournament:

UEFA (12): BENFICA, FC PORTO, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter Milan, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, RB Salzburg. 

CONMEBOL (6): Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, River Plate, Boca Juniors, 2024 Copa Libertadores Winer

CONCACAF (5): Monterrey, Seattel, Leon, Pachuca, Host MLS Club

CAF (4): Al Ahly, Wydad, Mamelodi Sundowns, Esperance de Tunis

AFC (4): Al-Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds, Al Ain, Ulsan

OFC (1): Auckland City  

The remaining spot through CONMEBOL will be known at the end of the month and will go to either Botafogo, Atletico Mineiro or Penarol depending on who wins the competition, if River Plate are to win the competition then the final spot will go to Olympia.

The remaining spot through CONCACAF will be given to a host club which will come from the MLS. Rumour has it that Inter Miami will be given the final spot for capturing the Supporters Shield during this regular season. The spot could also go to the MLS Champion which will be decided in early December. 

Although not official, the tournament is said to be set to award each competing club €50M for appearing with the eventually winner taking home over €100M in prize money.

Benfica may look to add another Turkish player to squad

With the success of the last minute transfer move this summer for Turkish winger Kerem Akturkoglu and the return to form of midfielder Orkun Kokcu with the change of managers at the club, Benfica now have their eyes set on another Turkish player, this time it being Fenerbahce midfielder Ismail Yuksek.

Benfica is looking to strengthen their midfield and the move is expected to take place when the winter transfer window opens in January. Yuksek has been with Fenerbache since the summer of 2020. Although the 25 year old spent loan spells at Turkish sides Adana Demirspor and Bursaspor before becoming a main squad player during the 2022-23 season.

Benfica manager Bruno Lage would like to add a defensive midfielder to the squad in the mold of Florentino, which the club currently lacks at this time. Reports out of Portugal suggest that the club is open to paying €10M for the services of Yuksek when the transfer window opens.

Yuksek is under contract with Fenerbahce until the summer of 2027 and has appeared in 91 games for the club across all competitions, scoring twice while providing seven helpers. Yuksek has also been a regular member of the Turkish national side since 2022 and was a member of this summer's Euro 2024 tournament.

Benfica need to let the young guns shine on the back line

Benfica’s defense has been a topic of discussion lately, especially with club captain Nicolás Otamendi growing older. Bruno Lage, the team’s manager, faces a key decision on who to rely on in the backline. By regularly playing Tomas Araujo and Antonio Silva as center backs, he can strengthen his squad while managing Otamendi’s playing time effectively.

The Case for Tomas Araujo

Tomas Araujo is a 22 year old rising star in Benfica's ranks. He embodies youthful energy combined with solid skills. When Araujo takes the field, he brings an enthusiasm that can spark the entire team’s defense. His ability to read the game allows him to intercept passes and make crucial tackles. Just like a fresh breeze on a hot day, Araujo rejuvenates the backline, offering a new perspective on defending.

Lage should recognize that Araujo's development isn’t just about getting experience; it’s about creating a dependable foundation for the team's future. Why not give him regular minutes? Engaging with the intensity of regular play will only enhance his confidence. And with more time on the pitch, he can adapt his style to better fit the team’s needs.

Antonio Silva: The Next Big Thing

Alongside Araujo, Antonio Silva also deserves a prominent spot in the defensive lineup. He’s a 20 year old player ready to seize opportunities. His composure on the ball and tactical awareness at such a young age set him apart from the competition. It’s like having a well-oiled machine, ready to spring into action when called upon.

Reuniting the UEFA Youth League title winners together not only strengthens the defense but also fosters and grows a bond between the young players. It’s crucial for any team to have chemistry on the field, and these two can build that connection with every match they play together going forward.

The Reality of Otamendi’s Age

Nicolas Otamendi is undeniably a skilled defender with years of experience under his belt. But now at 36 years old and turning 37 during the season, the reality is that he can’t cover every blade of grass like he used to. Rather than relying on him every week, Lage should take a step back and rotate Otamendi thoughtfully. Think of it like a well-tuned orchestra; every musician has their moment to shine while ensuring the symphony is harmonious.

By limiting Otamendi's minutes, Lage not only preserves his skills but also gives the young defenders the chance to learn from him. Otamendi on the sidelines, offering tips and insights to Araujo and Silva, creating an environment where the veterans mentor the youngsters.

Building a Future-Proof Defense

Investing in Araujo and Silva isn't just about the present; it’s about building a future-proof defense for Benfica. The Portuguese league is competitive, and a strong, youthful defense can be the backbone of a successful team. As the saying goes, "A team is only as strong as its weakest link." If Lage focuses on nurturing his younger talents, he ensures his squad is robust and adaptable to any challenge.

Benfica has the potential to create a defense that’s as resilient as it is dynamic. With Araujo and Silva taking center stage, the more seasoned players can step back when needed, ensuring the squad remains fresh and ready for every match.

Time for a New Era

Bruno Lage stands at a crossroads with his defensive strategy. Embracing Araujo and Silva while easing Otamendi into a rotational role is a step toward modernizing Benfica's defense. It’s about balancing experience with youth and setting the stage for future success. If Lage plays it right, Benfica's defense could transform into a well-coordinated unit that not only stands tall today but prepares for the battles of tomorrow. The time to act is now; let the young guns shine!

Benfica send Europe a message with impressive win over Atletico

Benfica has shaken things up in the Champions League with a massive 4-0 win against Atletico Madrid. This victory not only sends a loud message across Europe but also places Benfica in an impressive position in the tournament. With six games left and a perfect record of 2-0-0, they're showing they mean business.

This wasn't just a win; it was a showcase of skill and teamwork. Benfica dominated from the start, displaying their attacking flair and solid defense. Each goal felt like a nail in the coffin for Atletico, leaving fans and critics alike in shock. The players moved the ball with purpose, creating chances that seemed to come easy. It was a performance that fans will remember for a long time.

In this match, Benfica’s young talents stepped into the limelight. They played with confidence and energy, proving they can handle pressure on the big stage. The blend of youth and experience gave Benfica an edge. Who knew a team full of rising stars could shine so brightly against seasoned competitors like Atletico?

From Orkun Kokcu to Alvaro Fernandez, Benfica's players were one step ahead of their competitors and handed Atletico their worse loss in the competition since 2021. Benfica not sit in the top half of the group and will face Feyenoord at home in the next round of games in a couple of weeks.

Benfica's supporters have to be thrilled. This victory, especially against a formidable opponent, fills the stands with excitement and anticipation. The fans know that each match is an opportunity to see their team thrive. Will they maintain this form? Only time will tell, but the chemistry on the field looks promising.