Benfica have released their squad for the upcoming opening game in the Champions League as they get set to take on RB Leipzig at the Estadio da Luz on September 17 at 8pm 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, Tomas Tavares
Midfielders- Samaris, Pizzi, Rafa Silva, Caio Lucas, Taarabt, Franco Cervi, Fejsa, David Tavares
Forwards- Seferovic, Raul de Tomas, Jota
Benfica manager Bruno Lage says that his main concern during the International breaks is keeping the players that have not been called up to their national sides sharp as the club could be out of action for 10 to 14 days. Lage has experienced International breaks as an assistant manager but admits that managing Benfica sees many of the clubs main players away and in this time he focuses on the players at hand, Benfica played Estoril in a friendly during the recent International break.
Benfica continued their chase for top spot from surprise league leaders Famalicao as they took on Gil Vicente who opened the season with a victory over one of the big three, a 2-1 win over FC Porto. Benfica started the game pressing Gil Vicente and were awarded a penalty at the ten minute mark when Pizzi was taken down inside the box. The penalty also taken by Pizzi was stopped by Gil Vicente keeper Denis but Benfica's constant attack would finally cash in when a cross into the box by Andre Almeida ended up deflecting in off center back Nogueira to give the Eagles the lead just before the half. Pizzi doubled Benfica's lead early in the second half off of a corner kick from Alex Grimaldo, adding to his league leading six goals and making amends for the missed penalty earlier. That would be all that Benfica would need resulting in a 2-0 win over Gil Vicente, Benfica will be on the road next week as they get set to face Moreirense and currently sit one point behind top spot in Portugal
