Benfica lose their first game of the season at home in the Classico against FC Porto. The loss was Bruno Lage's first league loss since taking over the managerial reins for the club in January of 2018. Benfica played one of their worse games in the Bruno Lage era and were soundly outworked and out classed in this game by a hungrier club. Porto opened the scoring in the first half on a goal by newcomer Ze Luis and doubled their mark in the second half as Marega scored close to the final whistle for a final score of 2-0.
This is only the third league game of the season so there is still plenty to play for but the encounter left many fans wondering why the club looked unprepared for their league rival and a bigger question is if a change is needed up front to the starting eleven as Seferovic and de Tomas have yet to gel. Benfica also suffered the loss of midfielder Chiquinho who looks to have suffered a leg injury, more will be known in the next 48 hours on the extent of the injury. Chiquinho has been a bright spot for the club this season adding a spark every time he has come off the bench. Benfica will need to lick their wounds and make their adjustments as the head on the road for another tough encounter against Braga in Week 4.
Benfica rejected a move to sign striker Daniel Sturridge on a free transfer before the striker signed last week for Turkish side Trabzonspor. Reports from Portugal are that Benfica was approached by the strikers team to find the clubs interest in the former Liverpool man but Benfica rejected any move for the soon to be 30 year old with sources citing the players age and recent injuries a concern for the Lisbon side. Sturridge had spent his whole career playing in England before last week.
Benfica are in talks with Brazilian club Sao Paulo about the acquisition of 18 year old central defender Morato. Benfica have offered Sao Paulo €18M for what some consider to be one of the more promising youngsters on the club. Sao Paulo has a €50M buy out clause on Morato and have already made it public that they have no intentions of selling the player for anything less. Morato arrived in Sao Paulo in 2016 from Portuguesa but has yet to make an appearance for Sao Paulo's main squad. The two clubs remain in negotiations with Benfica hoping to acquire the player before the transfer window closes.
