Benfica's failure to win Classico could cost them millions

Benfica once again failed to do what they have been unable to do the whole season under Jorge Jesus, WIN a big game. Benfica played FC Porto to a 1-1 draw on home field in the O Classico after taking a first half lead on a goal by Everton who's form has hit an all time high in the last quarter of the season and I look forward to seeing what he can bring to the table next season if he has finally adapted to the style of play in Portugal.

Benfica would fail to hold onto the lead as FC Porto equalized in the second half and a late winner by Pizzi in additional time was called back when Darwin Nunez was called on the offside by mere centimeters in the build up to the play. Benfica would actually see three VAR reviews go against them in this game with the earlier reviews negating potential penalty shots.

Benfica remain four points behind FC Porto for second spot with three games remaining and their hope of an automatic berth in the Champions League group stage now hangs by a thread. All is not lost for Benfica but finishing third will see the club need to get past the more difficult playoff route in which they will need to win two rounds to earn their place in next seasons UEFA show piece and the millions of dollars that comes with an appearance.

O Classico Preview - Benfica vs FC Porto

Benfica get set to host rivals FC Porto on Thursday in the O Classico, a game with many ramifications for both clubs as they battle for a place in the Champions League next season. Benfica's cross town rivals Sporting will be watching the game and cheering on their city rivals as a loss could end any little title hopes that FC Porto have on the season and give Sporting their first league title in almost 20 years.

Benfica currently trail FC Porto by four points for second place and a guaranteed place in the Champions League group stage which would garner the club a windfall of €40M, in what amounts to a must win game for the Lisbon side as a loss would almost guarantee that Benfica will need to go through the two rounds of the qualifying to earn their place along side their Portuguese rivals in the group stage.

 

Benfica probable starting lineup:

Helton Leite, Diogo Goncalves, Lucas Verissimo, Nicolas Otamendi, Jan Vertonghen, Alex Grimaldo, Pizzi, Julien Weigl, Rafa Silva, Everton, Haris Seferovic

FC Porto probable starting lineup:

Marcheshin, Wilson Manafa, Pepe, Mbemba, Sanusi, Sergio Oliveira, Grujic, Otavio, Luis Diaz, Marega, Taremi

 

Benfica Player to watch:

Diogo Goncalves - The 24 year old has come into his own the second half of the season and claimed the starting spot as right back and his attacking flair will cause problems for FC Porto's back four.

FC Porto Player to watch:

Otavio - The attacking midfielder will try to take advantage of Benfica's three center back formation and find holes for his attacking counter parts. 

 

Benfica linked once again to Boca Juniors winger

According to reports coming from Argentinian TV channel TNT Sports, Benfica are currently in the process of preparing an offer for Boca Juniors winger Sebastian Villa. Benfica have been previously linked with the 24 year old Colombian during this past summer transfer window but no deal materialized between the two clubs. Villa is currently signed with Boca until the end of 2024 and has a reported €33.5M buy out clause.

Villa has been a member of the Argentinian club since the summer of 2018 and has appeared in 89 games across all competitions, scoring 14 goals while adding 14 helpers. The price tag for Villa is quite high and with Benfica looking to bolster their midfield this summer, this move does not make the most financial sense unless the club is able to get a significant discount from the Buenos Airos club.