Benfica opens residential academy in Tampa, Florida

Benfica is taking their world class academy set up abroad as the club gets set to open a residential academy in the Tampa, Florida area. The academy will be located at the state of the art campus of Saint Leo University and be a co-educational academy that will provide a balanced approach to athletic and academic excellence for grades 9 to 12.

Benfica's goal is to become a global leader in youth soccer development. The campus will have 6 soccer fields, a 59,000 square foot wellness center and span 297 acres. Benfica will provide ever academy player with a nutritional plan, an educational goal and provide a social focus on human values.

On the educational side, Benfica will team up with Bishop McLaughlin High School which is a private school for their academy players to attend. The school boost's both a 100% graduation rate and a 100% college acceptance rate.   

Benfica win over Monaco behind Di Maria magic

Benfica traveled to Monaco to take on the French League side as they looked to get their Champions League campaign back on track after posting back to back losses in the competition.

The game did not start the way Benfica had hoped as Monaco jumped out to an early lead behind a goal from Ben Seghir just thirteen minutes into the contest. Benfica were the stronger side of the first half but could not capitalize on some great scoring opportunities as the game went into the half with Monaco leading.

Benfica would equalize the game on a blunder by Caio Henrique just three minutes into the second half as Vangelis Pavlidis capitalized on the error. Monaco would score just two minutes later, but VAR called the goal back offside. Benfica then thought they had taken the lead at the fifty-four minute mark, but Alexander Bah's goal was disallowed on an offside during the buildup for the goal.

The game would change complexions as Monaco center back Singo would receive his second yellow of the game after a hard challenge on striker Pavlidis as both players challenged for a ball in the air, but it was Monaco who would score just nine minutes after going down a man with Magassa finding the back of the net.

Angel di Maria would then step up and work his magic to provide two spectacular crosses into the box that would find the heads of striker Arthur Cabral at the 84th minute and forward Zeki Amdouni at the 88th minute mark to give Benfica the advantage.

Amdouni could have had Benfica breathing easier in injury time, but his partial breakaway was bravely stopped by Monaco keeper Majecki. The final whistle would sound just a minute later and Benfica were back in the win column and currently sit in 14th place with three games left in the league phase, with Bologna up next at home on December 11.

 

Benfica have crucial game against Monaco in Champions League

Benfica return to action in the Champions League this week as they look to get their campaign back on track after losing back to back games following two victories to open the competition.

Benfica go into this contest coming off a sparkling performance this weekend in a Taca de Portugal game against Amadora that saw the Eagles handily defeat their city rivals 7-0, a game that saw 36 year old legend Angel di Maria score a hat trick.

Benfica's trip to Monaco will not be an easy one with the French League club in fine form this season and yet to lose a game in the competition, Benfica will need to be on their best if they are to return home with any points from the contest.

Benfica's game plan should be much different then their last trip to Munich, where the club went into the game with the strategy to sit back hoping for an opportunity that never came. Benfica will face Monaco on Wednesday at 8pm WEST.

Benfica return to action tomorrow in Taca

Benfica return to action after the international break and get set to face Amadora tomorrow in the 4th round of the Taca de Portugal in their home stadium of the Estadio da Luz.

Historically, Benfica has performed well against lower-league teams in the Taca de Portugal. The Eagles typically dominate possession and create numerous scoring chances. However, complacency can lead to upsets, making focus paramount.

Benfica's attacking prowess is their biggest asset in the match and by focusing on quick passing, they can spread Amadora's defense thin. Additionally, set pieces present opportunities to capitalize on their aerial advantage.

The winner of the Benfica/Amadora game will face the winner of Arouca/Farense in the round of 16.

Benfica interested in Twente utility man Regeer

Benfica will be back in the market when the winter transfer window opens as they look to shore up the right back position and Twente's swiss army knife Youri Regeer is in the Lisbon sides sight lines.

With the constant injuries to starting right back Alexander Bah (who is injured again) the club is looking for a reliable alternate option to the right back position as the club do not feel that current loanee Issa Kabore is up to the task and Benfica will look to end his loan move from Man City in January.

The 21 year old Regeer is able to play a variety of positions from right back to central and defensive midfielder. The club was originally linked to the Dutch U21 international when Roger Schmidt was on the sideline but no deal materialized during that time.

Regeer came up through Ajax's youth system and was acquired by Twente in the summer of 2023. Regeer has appeared in 17 games across all competitions for a total of 1,328 minutes but has yet to register a goal, he has provided three helpers during this span.

Look for Benfica to kick the tires on Regeer in January and a host of other potential right backs as they look to find a right back for the right price.

Benfica have no plans to add center back in January

Benfica will be looking to make some moves when the January transfer window opens but one of the positions that the club is happy with is the center back position. The club currently have four center backs that are all international players with their respective countries in club captain Nicolas Otamendi, Antonio Silva, Tomas Araujo and Adrian Bajrami.

Although rumours are swirling that River Plate would like to add Otamendi in January, the club has no interest in moving on from the 36 year old during the season and will make a decision on how they will proceed with the upcoming free agent in regards to next season.

Antonio Silva and Tomas Araujo, both have the interest of some of Europe's bigger clubs but the UEFA Youth League championship duo should be the club's number one and number two options for the starting XI for at least a couple of years to come.

The newest addition to the group is Albanian Adrian Bajrami, the 22 year old has come up through Benfica's youth teams since 2018 and has yet to appear in a game with the senior side but the team holds the center back in high regard and we should see more of Bajrami as he moves up the club's depth chart.

Benfica will look for more consistency as league reaches 1/3 mark

Benfica finds itself at a pivotal moment in the Liga Portugal season, sitting in third place with a game in hand. As the team hits the 33% mark of the league campaign, the need for consistency has never been more pressing. The quest for another title is alive but hinges on performance under coach Bruno Lage, who must navigate through the ups and downs of the season.

Benfica currently trail FC Porto by two points and a victory in their game in hand over Nacional will see the club leap frog their northern rivals and sit five points away from league leaders Sporting who will continue the final two thirds of the season without Ruben Amorim who departed the club to take over the managerial position with Man United.

Consistency is critical for any title contender. Dropping points in crucial matches can have lasting repercussions in the league table and Benfica can not afford to drop any number of points in their battle to catch the league leaders as the season progresses.

With the January transfer window approaching the club will do best to hang onto its top talent while shoring up the club at the right back position and acquiring a central midfielder who can provide both attack and defend when needed. 

Benfica's next set of league matches that will take them to the half way mark of the league season could provide a telling story of what direction they will take within the league as the face off against Arouca, Guimaraes, AVS, Nacional, Estoril, Sporting and Braga.

The need for consistency remains paramount if the club aspires for the title. Bruno Lage's ability to navigate through these challenges will be essential in guiding Benfica's fortunes for the rest of the season. One can only hope that the result does not leave anything to desire.

 

Benfica keen on terminating Kabore loan in January

Benfica will be looking to move on from right back Issa Kabore when the transfer window opens in January, as the Lisbon side wants to end the 23 year old's loan move from Manchester City early as they look to move for another right back during the winter window.

Kabore joined Benfica on deadline day this summer and the hope was that he would be an adequate replacement for often injured starter Alexander Bah but he has appeared in only 192 minutes of action this season, providing one assist.

Kabore has failed to impress when called upon and struggles when playing against opponents that play a high press. Look for Benfica to secure a right back before ending Kabore's loan spell and sending him on his way.

Benfica go into break on a high after big win

Benfica enter the international break on a high after cruising past rivals FC Porto 4-1 at the Luz to close the gap on second spot to two points with a game in hand. Benfica got a pair of goals from Angel di Maria, with Alvaro Fernandez and an own goal from Porto defender Perez which was initially given to striker Vangelis Pavlidis providing all the scoring.

Benfica will now be out of action until November 23 when they return they will face Amadora in the fourth round of the Taca de Portugal and then travel to Monaco to face Monaco in an important Champions League encounter as the club looks to avoid their third straight defeat of the competition.

Benfica have a host of players away from the club during the international break and will hope that all players return back healthy to the squad.

Benfica to clash with FC Porto in second place battle

When Benfica meets FC Porto, it's more than just a match—it's an event that captures the heart and soul of Portuguese football. As the two giants prepare for their 256th confrontation in all competitions, fans are eagerly counting down the minutes to this thrilling showdown. In Week 11 of the Primeira Liga, both teams are not just playing for pride; they’re battling for a coveted second spot in the league as they chase the league leaders.

Benfica and FC Porto share one of the fiercest rivalries in sports. Their rivalry, often referred to as O Clássico, dates back many decades. With each match, the stakes get higher, and the tension grows. Fans from both sides know the history, the victories, and the heartbreaks that come with each encounter. It’s like a long-running saga where each chapter adds fuel to the fire of competition.

As both teams gear up for this critical match, the league standings illustrate just how close the race for second has become. Benfica, with their eye on regaining lost ground, aims to capitalize on home advantage to secure a vital victory. Meanwhile, FC Porto, known for their tactical prowess, is determined to snatch those crucial points away from home. This match is not just about the teams themselves; it reflects the dreams and hopes of their loyal supporters.

Look for summer acquisitions Kerem Akturkoglu and Samu to be vital pieces for their respective clubs in this match, as both players have stormed into the league and made themselves known. The two clubs are coming off disappointing defeats in Europe mid-week and do not want to end this game with a two game losing skid going into the international break.

The atmosphere at Estádio da Luz promises to be electric. Picture thousands of fans, their chants echoing through the stadium, creating a whirlwind of sound and passion. The excitement is palpable, and the stakes could not be higher. Such an atmosphere can elevate the players' performances, as adrenaline takes over and the crowd becomes that extra player on the pitch.

Expect a tactical showdown where both coaches will try to outsmart each other at every turn, as Bruno Lage faces Vitor Bruno for the first time. Benfica's attacking style could clash with Porto's solid defense, leading to an intense chess match on the field.

As Benfica prepares to host FC Porto, anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry. Beyond the quest for three points, it’s about bragging rights and the glory that comes with it. O Clássico is not just a fixture; it's a festival of football where legends are born and memories created. Fans, players, and coaches alike know that every moment counts—making this match one for the history books. Get ready for a night that every football fan will remember.

Benfica interested in Athletic Bilbao keeper

Benfica is on the hunt for fresh talent, and they’ve got their eyes on Alex Padilla, the promising 21-year-old goalkeeper from Athletic Bilbao. Let’s unpack what this means for both clubs and for Padilla himself.

Alex Padilla isn’t just any goalkeeper. He’s a dual citizen of Spain and Mexico, which adds a fascinating twist to his story. Born in a time when both countries value football highly, Padilla has made waves for his strong performances despite being young. He’s a shot-stopper with a bright future ahead.

Benfica is looking to strengthen their squad, especially in the goalkeeper position. Their current keepers have been adequate this season and bringing in a young talent like Padilla could prove profitable to the club in the future. New energy and fresh skills can breathe life into a team, and Padilla fits the bill perfectly. 

Padilla’s situation at Athletic Bilbao has been tricky. With established goalkeepers ahead of him, that includes Spain's number one Unai Simon. He hasn’t had many chances to showcase his skills. Now, moving to Benfica could offer him that much-needed playing time, especially if the club moves on from current number one Anatoliy Trubin.

Padilla has appeared in five games with Athletic's main squad all coming this season and has spent the past four seasons coming up through Bilbao's system since joining them from Zarautz in the summer of 2019.

This potential move isn’t just a shift for Padilla; it’s a win-win for everyone involved. Benfica gets a young keeper with loads of potential, while Padilla finds a stage to prove his worth. It’s like finding a missing piece in a puzzle—suddenly, everything fits better.

If the deal goes through, Padilla will be stepping into a thrilling chapter of his career. Joining a club like Benfica, with its rich history and passionate fan base, can be an exciting adventure. Will he make an immediate impact? Only time will tell, but the signs are promising.

Benfica lack of attack proves costly in loss to Bayern

Benfica went to Munich and faced a tough challenge in their Champions League game against Bayern but their choice to sit back and play conservatively, while trying to contain Bayern's attack turned into a costly mistake as the club lost 1-0 and failed to register a single shot on goal.

When teams decide to play defensively, they often hope to frustrate their opponents while waiting for a chance to strike. In theory, this sounds good, but the reality can be different. Benfica’s plan to sit deep against a powerful Bayern Munich team meant they gave up control of the game. This left them vulnerable to Bayern's relentless attacking.

A shocking stat from the match is that Benfica failed to register any shots on target. That’s right—no attempts to challenge Bayern’s keeper. This lack of offensive effort indicates how deeply they had committed to defense, but it also highlights a troubling reality: when you don't attack, you’re not putting any pressure on your opponent. In football, you can’t win if you don’t hit the target.

The turning point came in the second half when Bayern found the net at the 67th minute mark. Their constant pressure finally broke through Benfica’s defense. This goal summarized the match perfectly—while Benfica focused on holding off attacks, they left themselves vulnerable to that crucial mistake. In football, one slip can lead to defeat, and that’s exactly what happened here. 

Benfica's attempt to hold off a team like Bayern with just a defensive mindset is a gamble that didn’t pay off. While defending is essential, creating opportunities is just as vital. A balanced approach where they defend but also look to counterattack could have brought a different outcome.

Some may say Benfica was looking ahead to this weekend's Classico against FC Porto but Bruno Lage needs to leave the Roger Schmidt football behind as the club's poor game plan saw them lose their second consecutive game in the competition. The club now sits 19th after four games with another four games remaining and next face a red hot Monaco in France in hopes of turning this campaign around.

Benfica hoping that Sporting loss is a gain for them

Benfica fans are buzzing with excitement as news spreads about Sporting’s manager, Ruben Amorim, taking a step up to Manchester United. This shift could offer Benfica a golden opportunity to gain ground and look to overtake Sporting in the Portuguese League. Amorim’s departure from Sporting leaves a gap that could very well tilt the balance in favor of Benfica.

Benfica is hungry for success, and the timing couldn’t be better. With Amorim gone, Sporting may find itself in a state of transition that could affect their perfect performance. In sports, when a team loses its coach, things can get shaky. Benfica aims to capitalize on this uncertainty to chase down the league title.

Imagine walking into a race, and suddenly your biggest competitor trips. That’s how Benfica sees this moment. They want to sprint ahead while Sporting figures out its next moves.

Benfica has the foundation to make a strong push. Their team is filled with talented players who can shine when the spotlight is on them. As Sporting sorts out its new strategy and lineup, Benfica can focus on refining its game plan and maximizing its strengths. They can build momentum in their matches, gain confidence, and boost team morale.

The departure of Ruben Amorim from Sporting opens a window of chance for Benfica. With a team ready to seize the moment, Benfica appears poised to make a run for the Portuguese League title. They will look to maintain focus under Bruno Lage, build on their strengths, and keep their eye on the prize.

In sports, opportunities like this don't come around often. When the team at the top who is a perfect 10-0-0 in the league lose their manager mid-season, this could give Benfica the chance to turn this new chapter to their advantage, and they’re eager to make it count.