Benfica at the second international break

The second International break is upon us nations prepare to compete in World Cup 2022 and Benfica go into the break on a twenty-five game unbeaten run to start the season and sit atop Portugal with a eight point lead. Benfica will not be completely out of action during the tournament as the club will compete in this seasons Taca de Liga and play three games from November 20 to December 17.

The season still has more then 50% of it to go but Benfica remain in fine form since the start of the campaign and Benfica fans are becoming very optimistic that the club will earn some much needed hardware this season when all is said and done. 

A look at some player stats from the first 25 games of the season

Most minutes played: 

Vlachodimos 2,160; Alex Grimaldo 2,134; Otamendi 2,070

Most goals scored: 

Goncalo Ramos 14; Rafa Silva 11; Joao Mario 10

Most assists: 

Joao Mario 8; David Neres 8; Alexander Bah 6; Goncalo Ramos 6

Most yellow cards: 

Enzo Fernandez 6; Rafa Silva 5; Florentino 5; Otamendi 5

Most substitute appearances: 

Diogo Goncalves 16; Petar Musa 14; Chiquinho 12

Most penalty kicks taken:

Joao Mario 7

 

These stats only include League and Champions League group stage

Total shots taken:

Rafa Silva 58; Goncalo Ramos 48; Enzo Fernandez 37

Total passes made:

Enzo Fernandez 1,552; Otamendi 1,254; Florentino 1,148

Total dribbles made:

Rafa Silva 80; David Neres 65; Joao Mario 51

Total interceptions made:

Florentino 48; Otamendo 40; Alexander Bah 30

Most Tackles:

Alex Grimaldo 49; Florentino 48; Enzo Fernandez 45 

Blocked Shots:

Antonio Silva 8; Otamendi 7; Alexander Bah 4; Alex Grimaldo 4

Most Clearances Made:

Otamendi 62; Antonio Silva 55; Florentino 23

Man of the Match

Alex Grimaldo 4; Joao Mario 3; Rafa Silva 3; Goncalo Ramos 3

League Player Ratings:

Alex Grimaldo 7.55; Joao Mario 7.51; David Neres 7.39

Champions League Player Ratings:

Rafa Silva 7.57; Alex Grimaldo 7.49; Joao Mario 7.31

Benfica's play gets notice from Portugal boss

Benfica's fine form this season has caught the attention of not only clubs and fans across the globe but of Fernando Santos, Portugal's national team coach. Santos named his 26 man World Cup squad earlier today and he included three Benfica players, Santos called up striker Goncalo Ramos the Primeira Liga leading scorer and the nations highest goal scorer this season across all competitions.

Ramos was joined by midfielder Joao Mario who's game has gone to another level this season and who's inclusion was a no brainier as it fits Santos' style of play. The third Benfica player was a surprise choice as Santos called up 19 year old center back Antonio Silva, who was a relative unknown just two months ago and will now make a well deserved trip to Qatar along with his club mates.

Benfica to face Club Brugge in Round of 16

Benfica have learned their Champions League round of 16 opponents and it will be Belgian's Club Brugge who finished runner up in their group behind FC Porto. Benfica will travel to Brugge for the first leg of the encounter on either February 14, 15,21 or 22 and then host the second leg in March on the 7, 8, 14 or 15.

On paper this looks to be the best draw that Benfica could have hoped for to advance on but Brugge can not be taken lightly after defeating FC Porto at the Dragao 4-0 during their group stage encounter, while they also did not allow a goal in five out of their six group games the only one being a 4-0 defeat at home to Porto.