Benfica scraped past ten man Vizela to advance to the Taca de Portugal round of 16 after a come from behind 2-1 victory, avoiding the embarrassment of losing to a minnow early in the tournament. Vizela opened the scoring just six minutes into the game when a Samu low shot found its way past Benfica keeper Zlobin. Vizela would then be a given a blow when midfielder Ericson Duarte was sent off at the 26th minute mark after receiving his second yellow card of the game within six minutes of receiving his first. Benfica though would fail to find their form in the first half as a tough defensive Vizela fought to protect their lead all the way to the end of the half. The second half would see striker Carlos Vinicius enter the game in place of Samaris as Benfica looked to get the equalizer. Chiquinho would get the clubs first real chance six minutes into the half but his attempt would be sent over the bar. Benfica would finally bring the game level with twenty minutes left when a low Jota cross would find striker Raul de Tomas who made no mistake tapping the ball pass Vizela keeper Cajo.
Then just two minutes later Grimaldo would send a high shot past the keeper who was beat on the play but he was unable to beat the bar as his shot rang off it. Benfica continued to press and a Caio Lucas' cross into the box would find the head of Carlos Vinicius but Vizela's Cajo would come up with a big stop to keep the game leveled, but Vinicius would not be denied on this night and just five minutes from time, Lucas would send Vinicius in on goal and the strong striker would fight off the pressure of Vizela defender Aidara and send a low shot into the far left corner to give Benfica a lead they would not relinquish and get the club into the round of 16. Benfica will now await to find out who their next opponents are in the tournament but a better performance would be expected by the club as the competition will only get tougher from here.
Benfica get set for Taca de Portugal action as they get set to take on Vizela in the fourth round of play. After the International break Benfica look to continue their fine form in Portugal and move onto the Round of 16 of the tournament. Benfica play Vizela on the road today at 8:45pm WEST.
Keepers- Vlachodimos, Ivan Zlobin
Defenders- Ferro, Alex Grimaldo, Jardel, Tomas Tavares, Andre Almeida, Conti, Nuno Tavares
Midfielders- Pizzi, Franco Cervi, Gedson Fernandes, Gabriel, Florentino, Samaris, Chiquinho, Caio Lucas
Forwards- Jota, Carlos Vinicius, Raul de Tomas
Benfica are interested in Gremio's 22 year old winger Pepe according to reports coming out from Brazilian media. Benfica are looking to shore up the left wing spot of their line up with regular starter Rafa Silva out for an extended period of time with an injury and with summer acquisition Caio Lucas failing to make his mark, Benfica have turned their attention to Brazil to fill the void. Pepe has been a member of the Gremio organization since the summer of 2016 and has appeared in 32 games across all competitions for the club this season. Pepe has scored seven times while adding one helper. Gremio is rumoured to want in excess of €15M for the rights to Pepe and Benfica will need to fend off the likes of PSG and Roma who have also been linked to the player if they are to land his rights during the winter transfer window.
