Ajax look to return back to Benfica for Vlachodimos

Ajax are said to be ready to make a move once again for Benfica starting keeper Vlachodimos according to reports out of the Netherlands, once the transfer window opens again in January after coming oh so close to landing the 28 year old during the summer window. Vlachodimos has a contract with Benfica until the summer of 2024 with a buy out clause of €60M but Benfica could be open to sell for €20M.

Vlachodimos joined Benfica in the summer of 2018 from Panathinaikos for €2.4M and has appeared in 186 games at the club across all competitions. Vlachodimos has kept 74 clean sheets in those appearances. The Greek International has also been a member of the squads that have captured both the Portuguese League title in 2018/19 and the Portuguese Super Cup in 2019. 

Benfica need penalties to advance in Taca de Portugal

Benfica received a scare against minnows Caldas after the third division side took the unbeaten eagles to penalties after playing to a 1-1 draw after one hundred and twenty minutes. Benfica who rested the majority of their regular starters did not open the scoring until early in the second half when Petar Musa scored a nifty goal that beat the star of the game, Caldas keeper Wilson Soares to the far left post.

Caldas brought the game level twenty minutes later when a poor John Brooks back pass was mishandled by youngster Antonio Silva, sending Goncalo Barreiras away alone on Helton Leite and he made no mistake equalizing the game. Benfica just could not finish a boat load of opportunities and the game headed to penalties were Benfica converted all their shots from the spot with Joao Mario scoring the final goal that broke the hearts of Caldas' fans.

Benfica will now await to find out their opponents in the fourth round of Taca de Portugal action. 

Benfica set to kick off Taca campaign

Benfica will kick off their Taca de Portugal campaign this Saturday when they travel to face division three side Caldas in a one game knockout as the Lisbon side looks to recapture Portugal's premier knockout tournament trophy for the first time since the 2016/17 season and adding to their all time leading haul of twenty-six titles.

Look for Benfica to give their regular starting eleven a rest in this encounter as many players who have not seen regular minutes this season look to add their names to Roger Schmidt's options going forward. Benfica and Caldas will play October 15 with the game set to kick off at 8:45pm WEST at Caldas 13,000 seater.