Benfica name squad for O Classico game against FC Porto

Benfica have released their squad for their upcoming home game today against FC Porto in the Classico on August 24 at 7:00pm WEST. They will select 18 players from the list below at game time to dress.

Keepers- Vlachodimos, Ivan Zlobin

Defenders- Nuno Tavares, Ruben Dias, Ferro, Alex Grimaldo, Jardel, Andre Almeida

Midfielders- Florentino, Samaris, Pizzi, Rafa Silva, Caio Lucas, Taarabt, Chiquinho

Forwards- Seferovic, Raul de Tomas, Jota, Carlos Vinicius

Nuno Tavares will retain spot for Classico

Nuno Tavares will retain his right back spot for this weekends upcoming "O Classico" against FC Porto. The 19 year old Tavares who has appeared in Benfica's first two league games and the season opening Super Cup in place of an injured Andre Almeida has not looked out of place even though he normally plays on the left side of the field. Tavares has contributed a goal and two assists in his first three appearances with the squad while adding an impressive player rating of 7.92 in the first two league games of the season according to whoscored.com. Almeida is set to return from a nagging shinbone injury but manager Bruno Lage has decided to go with an in form Tavares in such a crucial encounter against their main rivals for the league crown this season.

Benfica Player Profile: Manuel Bento

Manuel Bento (Keeper)

Years Active (1966-1992)

Benfica Career (1972-1992)

Born: 1948 Death: 2007

Manuel Bento

Manuel Bento started his playing career with Benfica in 1972 when he made the move over from Barreirense as the understudy for Jose Henrique and appeared in a total of 465 career games for Benfica across all competitions in his club career. Bento also appeared for the Portuguese national team on 63 occasions as a member of Benfica. Bento won 16 titles with the club, 9 Portuguese league titles, 5 Taca de Portugal and 2 Portuguese Super Cups. 

Bento suffered a horrific leg injury while on international duty and never fully recovered to the form that all were accustomed to. Bento was named the 1977 Portuguese player of the year and was working as a goaltending coach for Benfica at the time of his death in 2007 due to a heart attack. Bento is considered by many as the greatest goalkeeper in Benfica history and one of the best keepers to done the Quinas national team jersey.