Benfica to take on Ukrainian Champions in Europa League

Benfica will take on Ukrainian Champions Shakhtar Donetsk in the round of 32 in Europa League action after today's completed draw. The two clubs who finished third in their respective Champions League groups earning them a chance to continue European football this season will square off for the first time since being paired in the same Champions League group during the 2007/08 campaign. Benfica and Shakhtar split their two games with each club winning in each others respective stadiums. The two leg playoff will open up in Donetsk on February 20 with the second leg being played at Benfica's Estadio da Luz on February 27. Shakhtar who is coached by Portuguese manager Luis Castro will present a tough test for Benfica who will be looking to start off the two leg encounter with a good road game.

Benfica go into new year on top of Portugal

Benfica will go into 2020 on top of the Portuguese League after their convincing 4-0 victory over feel good story Famalicao at the Estadio da Luz. Benfica cruised to victory and were led once again by Pizzi and Carlos Vinicius, the leagues co-top scorers.
Vinicius would open the scoring late in the first half when he would tip in a Chiquinho pass, this would vault the striker into sole possession of the golden boot, moving one goal in front of Pizzi. This would only last until the second half when Pizzi would score a brace to push Benfica's lead to three goals with Chiquinho getting a helper on one of Pizzi's goals for his second assist of the evening. Pizzi would then become play maker on Benfica's final goal of the game setting up Caio Lucas for his first league goal of the season and only goal that he has scored wearing Benfica colours.
Benfica's next league game will not be until January 4 as they travel to Guimaraes but Benfica will be in action twice before the new year with an upcoming Wednesday in Taca de Portugal against Braga before traveling to Setubal to play their final group game in the Taca da Liga on the 21st.

Benfica name squad for Famalicao game

Benfica go into their last league game before the new year up against this seasons surprise squad Famalicao looking to maintain their current lead in Portugal. Benfica will play Famalicao at home at 6:00pm WEST. They will dress 18 players from the list below.
  
Keepers- Vlachodimos, Ivan Zlobin

Defenders- Ferro, Alex Grimaldo, Tomas Tavares, Jardel, Nuno Tavares, Ruben Dias

Midfielders- Pizzi, Franco Cervi, Gabriel, Taarabt, Chiquinho, Samaris, Caio Lucas

Forwards- Carlos Vinicius, Seferovic, Jota