Benfica ready for O Classico against FC Porto

Benfica head to Porto to face arch rivals FC Porto in what has been dubbed for many years as "O Classico"as both groups of fans will be heard and seen far and wide not only in Portugal but around the world. Benfica will arrive in Porto in top spot after nine league games ahead of their rivals by three points as the two clubs get set to clash with much on the line.

Benfica will arrive in Porto on an eighteen game unbeaten run in all competitions under manager Roger Schmidt and had yet to lose with the German on the sideline. FC Porto come into the game on a nine game unbeaten run against Benfica in all competitions, having not lost to their southern rivals since March of 2019.

The game pits Portugal's top two clubs on a Friday night, thanks to the clubs Champions League commitments. Benfica go into the game looking to make a statement that they are back and Portugal's top club, while FC Porto will be looking to hold onto their current crown and show the Lisbon side that they will not step aside without a fight.

The clubs will step onto the pitch in front of a sold out crowd at the Estadio do Dragao in a game that will bring Portugal to a stand still with all eyes glued to their respective televisions. Will Benfica prevail and continue their fine form or will FC Porto swat them aside and breath new life back into the title race. Lets all find out Friday at 8:30pm WEST.

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.