Benfica will appear in the Taca de Portugal for the second consecutive year after their come from behind victory over Rio Ave at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. Benfica who fell behind early when Rio Ave's Lucas Piazon scored just four minutes into the contest on a brilliant free kick, brought the game level when striker Carlos Vinicius found a streaking Franco Cervi who's high shot got past Setubal keeper Paulo Vitor. Rio Ave would regain the lead at the 31st minute as Diogo Figueiras would find a just onside Taremi who's header would get past Benfica keeper Zlobin. Benfica would fight from behind until substitute striker Seferovic's low shot would find the back of the net from a Vinicius head pass and Benfica would once again bring it level at the 64 minute mark. Seferovic would then give Benfica the lead for good just seven minutes later scoring his second of the contest from a Pizzi pass and Benfica would hang on for the 3-2 victory. Benfica will now await the winner of the Famalicao/Pacos Ferreira encounter to find out their opponent in the two leg semi-final match.
Benfica are set to host a quarter final encounter later today against Rio Ave as they look to advance to the semi-finals of the Taca de Portugal for the second year in a row. Benfica will play Rio Ave at 9:15pm
WEST.
They will dress 18 players from the list below.
Keepers- Ivan Zlobin, Mile Svilar
Defenders- Tomas Tavares, Alex Grimaldo, Ruben Dias, Ferro, Andre Almeida,
Midfielders- Chiquinho, Pizzi, Taarabt, Franco Cervi, Samaris, David Tavares, Florentino, Julian Weigl, Rafa Silva
Forwards- Carlos Vinicius, Seferovic, Jota
Benfica are once again linked to another Real Madrid striker after the unsuccessful purchase of Raul de Tomas during the summer transfer window, the club could visit the Madrid well once again and try their luck with Dominican Republic striker Mariano Diaz. The Spanish edition of Four Four Two state that Diaz is the preferred target of Bruno Lage as he looks to replace the now departed Raul de Tomas, with the club looking at a loan deal for Diaz with an option to purchase. The under used 26 year old has only appeared in just 44 minutes of action this season for Real Madrid and would welcome a move that would garner him more playing time. Real Madrid acquired Diaz from French club Lyon during the summer of 2018 after the striker scored 21 goals across all competitions that season but Diaz has appeared in only 21 games since joining Real totaling 645 minutes of action. Benfica who currently have two experienced strikers with the club in Carlos Vinicius and Haris Seferovic are looking at Diaz as an insurance option before the transfer window closes this winter.
