Benfica to face Inter Milan on path to Finals

Benfica have been drawn today against Italian club Inter Milan in the quarter final stage of the Champions League as the club looks to make their way to the Finals of the Champions League for the first time since 1990 when the competition was known as the European Cup. Benfica will host the first game at the Estadio da Luz on April 11 or 12 then travel to Milan for the second leg on April 18 or 19.

The winner of the Benfica/Inter Milan clash will then move on to face the winner of the Napoli/AC Milan encounter in the semi-final round set to take place in May before then making their way to the Finals in Istanbul on June 10 which is fittingly Portugal Day. Benfica's path sees them avoid, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester City until the finals of the competition.

Benfica could look within league for new left back

Benfica may need to look at replacing current starting left back Alex Grimaldo at seasons end when the Spaniard is set to become a free agent, as the club and 27 year old have yet to come to an agreement on a new contract with the seasoning entering its final third. Benfica acquired left back Mihailo Ristic this past summer but the 27 year old has seen limited action in part to injuries and in part to Grimaldo's fine form this season.

If Benfica are unable to reach an agreement with Grimaldo the club could follow the example of their league rivals and look to acquire a player for a discounted price from inside their respective league. There are a pair of league players who could compete with Ristic for a spot in the starting XI next season and Benfica manager Roger Schmidt may just be able to work some magic a la Joao Mario with one of the two players below.

Leonardo Lelo - Casa Pia - 22 years old

Lelo has had a fantastic season for Casa Pia and has caught the attention of Portuguese clubs, he has appeared in 17 league games, scoring one goal while setting up three. Lelo came up through Olhanense's youth system and has recently received a call up to Portugal's Under 21 squad. Lelo is a complete left back who can take set pieces and has excellent crosses into the box.

Ricardo Mangas - Boavista - 24 years old

Mangas is a former Seixal academy product, so the club has some familiarity with the player, he has appeared in 19 league games this season, scoring two goals. Mangas spent last season on loan with French club Bordeaux where he was regular starter but was returned back to Boavista at seasons end after the French sides relegation. Mangas has a good first touch and speed that allows him to be dangerous in the attacking zone.

Goncalo Guedes out of action with injury

Benfica have announced that forward Goncalo Guedes will undergo surgery in the next few days to an injury suffered to his left knee that is effecting meniscus which is a c-shaped piece of rubbery cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the shinbone and thighbone. Guedes has not appeared in the clubs past couple of games after suffering the injury in a league game against Vizela.

The 26 year old who is currently on loan at Benfica from Wolverhampton, joined the club during the winter transfer window and had appeared in eight games across all competitions, scoring twice while providing one assist. The club did not announce how much time Guedes will miss after the surgery but the average time of recovery can range from three weeks to three months.