Benfica win and move into Taca semis

Benfica defeated Braga 1-0 at the Estadio da Luz in Taca de Portugal quarter-final action and advance to the two leg semi-final stage where they will take on fourth division side Tirsense as they look to move into the Finals of the competition and capture their 30th title.

The game score line was flattering to Braga who failed to get a shot on target the entire game and attempted four shots in total over the 90 minute encounter. Benfica's marker came from red hot striker Vangelis Pavlidis in the first half when he took a pass from newly acquired wing back Samuel Dahl and beat Braga keeper Lukas Hornicek into the low right corner.

Benfica will face Tirsense in April with the first leg going between April 1 to 3 and the second leg tentatively set to go between April 22 to 24. Benfica's potential opponents if they were to make the Finals would be Rio Ave or the Sporting/Gil Vicente winner.

 

Benfica end postive week with tie atop Portugal

After advancing to the round of 16 in the Champions League earlier in the week, they will now face Barcelona. Benfica then went into their Week 23 game against Boavista and played one of their better games of the season earning a victory, couple that with a Sporting draw and they are now leveled in points atop Portugal.

Benfica goes now into this week's quarter-final encounter with Braga in the Taca de Portugal on a positive note and full of confidence as they look to move into the semi-final stage. Benfica's winter transfer acquisitions have so far had a positive impact with the club, with Bruma, Andrea Belotti and Samuel Dahl all contributing to the club's success since arriving in Lisbon.

 

Benfica find out Champions League opponents and path to Finals

Benfica will face Barcelona once again in this season's edition of the Champions League as the two clubs get set to face one another in the round of 16. The two leg affair will take place on March 5 and 11 with the first leg game taking place at Benfica's Estadio da Luz. 

Benfica and Barcelona had a memorable league phase game that some say was the game of the competition, a game that Barcelona came back from two goals down on two occasions to defeat Benfica 5-4 in controversial finish in injury time.

The path to the Finals has been all but drawn out today and the winner of this tie will take on the victor's of the Borussia Dortmund and Lille clash in quarter-final action. One of Inter Milan, Feyenoord, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen will await the club that makes it to the semi-final stage on their way to Munich and the Champions League Final.

Benfica await to find out Champions League opponent

Benfica advanced to the Champions League round of 16 after a wild and entertaining second leg playoff game against Monaco, where the two clubs battled to a 3-3 draw at the Luz, but thanks to a first leg 1-0 victory, Benfica will advance to the round of 16 and await to find out their next opponents Friday.

Benfica will face either Liverpool or Barcelona in the next stage of the Champions League, but will go into the two leg contest with an additional €11M to add to their coffers and hope to have a few injured as well as their suspended players ready for the contest. The games are scheduled to take place in the first two weeks of March.

Porto fans in a tizzy over Benfica's lack of condolences

The recent passing of Pinto da Costa, the long-time president of FC Porto, has stirred a strong reaction among fans. Many feel deeply hurt by Benfica's lack of public condolences. In a sport that thrives on rivalry, this silence has raised eyebrows and fueled conversations in and beyond the football community.

Pinto da Costa led FC Porto for over four decades, transforming the club into a powerhouse in Portuguese football. Under his leadership, the team won numerous titles, including multiple Primeira Liga and UEFA Champions League trophies. His influence went beyond victories; he shaped club culture and identity.

Public condolences in sports serve as a gesture of respect, transcending rivalries. When a prominent figure dies, recognition from rivals can mend fences, even if temporarily. It's a chance to show that sportsmanship exists, highlighting the shared love for the game.
 

Fans of FC Porto expressed their outrage on social media, tweets and posts indicated feelings of betrayal and disappointment. The lack of acknowledgment from Benfica along with cross town rivals Sporting led to debates about respect in sports and what it means to honor a rival.

Benfica's leadership may have believed that public remarks could be misconstrued or politicized. In a heated rivalry, actions are often measured against the backdrop of competition. Opting for silence might have been a protective measure, albeit a controversial one.

There have been instances in football history where rivals publicly mourned the loss of notable figures. For example, when Sir Bobby Robson passed, even competitive clubs paid tribute. Benfica’s silence stands in stark contrast to these previous gestures.

Media coverage has played a significant role in amplifying fan frustrations. News outlets are quick to report on the division, turning it into clickbait. This sensationalism can fuel further tension and create a narrative that may not reflect the true feelings of either fanbase.

The Porto-Benfica rivalry is one of the fiercest in football. Matches are charged with emotion, and every goal scored feels personal. This backdrop makes the absence of public mourning even more notable.

Fan reactions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook vary. While many Porto fans express anger, others feel it's not surprising given the rivalry. Some even suggest that Benfica’s silence is predictable.

Understanding the delicate nature of public statements is crucial. Clubs must navigate professionalism while considering the emotional weight behind their words. Finding this balance can be challenging, especially in heated rivalries.

The contrasting reactions to Pinto da Costa's passing reveal much about the nature of football fandom and rivalry. It's a reminder that at the heart of competition lies a profound respect for those who have shaped the game.

Benfica's lack of sentiments could come down to a simple fact of their dislike for Da Costa's methods and policies while at the club and a death would not change their outlook or disdain for who Pinto Da Costa was when he was in charge of FC Porto.

While fans may detest what Benfica and Sporting have decided to do, the fact that FC Porto's current President Andre Villas-Boas was asked not to attend the funeral service for the simple reason his wishes was for a smaller service could in fact show his bitterness for losing the club's Presidency.

It is quite likely that Pinto Da Costa may have also wished that no Benfica or Sporting President's or any directors from the club's be allowed to attend his final service leading to reaction of both clubs actions publicly.

As emotions settle, this controversy may lead to a reevaluation of how rivals interact in times of grief. Establishing more respectful interactions could change the narrative moving forward or it may just not.

Benfica being linked with African Cup winner

Benfica have been hit with a rash of injuries to the right back position over the past week that has seen Alexander Bah, Tomas Araujo and Fredrik Aursnes all go down with injuries at a crucial time of the season.

These rash of injuries sees the name of free agent right back Serge Aurier being linked with a move to the club, Aurier has been without club since his departure from Galatasaray in the summer of 2024.

With Bah out for the season and Aursnes set to miss at least the next four games for the club. Benfica is set to turn to B team right back Leandro Santos for this weekend's clash with Santa Clara, in hopes that Tomas Araujo a natural center back will be ready for their second leg contest with Monaco on Tuesday.

Aurier, a two time African Cup champion with Ivory Coast would be an insurance policy for the Lisbon club if they where to make a move for the 32 year old who has not seen any game action since May 2024.

 

Benfica take first leg playoff over Monaco

Benfica took an important first step towards the Champions League round of 16 with a first leg 1-0 playoff win over Monaco. Benfica got their only goal from in form striker Vangelis Pavlidis early in the second half, his 6th of the campaign and missed a couple of glorious chances to make it a more comfortable victory on the road against the Ligue 1 side.

Benfica will now host Monaco next Tuesday in a contest that could still go either way, but hope to play at the same level of today. A game that saw the Eagles take a total of 23 shot attempts on goal. Benfica will hope that they do not regret not scoring another goal or two after Monaco went down a man for the last 38 minutes of the contest.

It was not all joy and happiness for the squad who saw another two players go down with injury, the first being Tomas Araujo at the 67th minute mark and the other Angel di Maria at the 86th minute mark. Di Maria only spent 19 minutes in the game after coming on as a substitute in the second half.

Benfica will travel this weekend to the Azores for a weekend game and may dress a more unfamiliar lineup with youngsters Joao Rego, Leandro Santos and Nuno Felix all with a chance to get some game time as the club looks to rest some key squad players before the second leg.

 

Benfica suffer devasting injuries in three minutes

Benfica lost a pair of players for the remainder of the season in yesterday's game against Moreirense, where in a span of three minutes both Alexander Bah and Manu Silva went down with knee injuries to their ACL's and were ruled out by the club for the remainder of the season this morning.

The loss of Bah will sting the club much more going forward as the club lacks a seasoned natural right back and will likely turn to Tomas Araujo to cover the position, but his lack of speed against top opponents could prove to be a detriment to the club. 

The club can also turn to Fredrik Aursnes, who played many games last season at the position, or youngster Leandro Santos, but his lack of experience in top flight matches could make him vulnerable.

While Manu just arrived at Benfica a few weeks ago from Guimaraes and appeared in just three games with the club, totaling 136 minutes of action. His loss will be less felt as he barely dipped his toes in the water and Benfica has Florentino and Leandro Barreiro that can slot into the position.

The loss of both players will hurt the squad's depth as they remain alive in every competition remaining from the Liga to the Taca de Portugal to the Champions League.

Benfica plans for Gianluca Prestianni

Benfica turned down plenty of offers for 19 year old Gianluca Prestianni during the winter transfer window, as they settled on working on the Argentinian's development themselves at this stage of his career.

Acquired by Benfica last winter from Velez Sarsfield for €9M, the winger has yet to show the promise that had been expected of him when the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid where linked with acquiring his services before the Lisbon club made the move.

Bruno Lage has yet to use Prestianni since taking over coaching duties from Roger Schmidt in September but has the youngster training with the main squad and available to play in games with the club's B team in which he has appeared in three games to date.

Benfica are counting on Prestianni to develop into a fundamental piece of the squad over the years, which would turn into another cash cow at the cash register if he is to fulfill his potential.

Benfica have a busy 24 hours in transfer market

Benfica decided to strengthen their squad just at the deadline making three moves to their main squad in the past 24 hours.

Benfica first added another striker, this time going with a veteran attacker in Como's 31 year old Andrea Belotti who arrived on loan to the club for the remainder of the season. The Euro 2020 winner has had a tough couple of years as he has battled injuries and form but Benfica are hoping he can find his goal scoring days while at Torino.

Next up, Benfica made a surprising move in acquiring Braga winger Bruma for €6.5M and signing him until the summer of 2028. Bruma has been a key contributor at Braga this season appearing in 31 games across all competitions, he has scored 12 goals while providing 9 helpers and Benfica will hope to see the 30 year old continue his great form while at the club.

Benfica finished the day adding some depth at the left back position with the acquisition from Roma of Samuel Dahl on loan for the remainder of the season with an option to buy for €8M. Dahl has not seen much action with Roma having appeared in only 240 minutes of action.

Look for Benfica to make a couple of subtractions from the squad with other countries transfer windows still open. The likely players to depart are striker Arthur Cabral and winger Benjamin Rollheiser who have interest from a host of Brazilian clubs.

Benfica emerge in race for Roma left back Dahl

Benfica have entered the race for Roma left back Samuel Dahl, as according to Gianluca Di Marzio the Lisbon side have moved into the front runners spot to land the 21 year old Swedish wing back before the transfer window closes.

Benfica need some depth at left back after selling Jan-Niklas Beste, late last week to Freiburg in Germany and currently only have Alvaro Fernandez who plays the position naturally. Benfica are open to a loan move for Dahl with an option to buy.

Dahl arrived at Roma in the summer of 2024 but has not seen many minutes since his arrival appearing in only 240 minutes of action across all competitions. Benfica are in competition with Besiktas for the player's signature but their place in the Champions League looks to have tilted the player in their favour.