Benfica find out Champions League group opponents

Benfica have learned their fate after their Champions League group draw that saw last seasons Portuguese League champions drawn with a famaliar for in Inter Milan and the two clubs are joined by Spanish side Real Sociedad and Austrian club RB Salzburg.

The group stage will kick off for Benfica on September 20 at home against RB Salzburg.

Benfica group schedule

Game 1 September 20 vs RB Salzburg

Game 2 October 3 at Inter Milan

Game 3 October 24 vs Real Sociedad

Game 4 November 8 at Real Sociedad

Game 5 November 29 vs Inter Milan

Game 6 December 12 at RB Salzburg

Benfica have a crazy deadline with flurry of moves

Benfica had a wild final day of the summer transfer window that saw five players move clubs as they get set for the next few months to compete with the players that remained or arrived at the club.

Benfica negotiated the arrival of Spanish left back Juan Bernat from PSG on loan for the season in hopes that the 30 year old can replace the production lost from the departed Alex Grimaldo. Benfica will pay half of Bernat's €5.5M salary as part of the loan and the deal will not include an option to buy at the conclusion of the season.

Benfica saw the departure of four players with keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos being the highest profile player to move on from the club. The former Benfica number one will be joining English side Nottingham Forest for €10M + add ons and signs a four year contract with the Premier League club. 

Benfica then made three smaller moves sending midfielder Paulo Bernardo to Celtic and Andreas Schjelderup to Nordsjaelland, both on loan. While left back Mihailo Ristic joined Spanish side Celta Vigo on a permanent basis with Benfica receiving €1.5M for the move.

 

Benfica shopping around left back Mihailo Ristic

In the world of football, player transfers are a common occurrence. Clubs are constantly looking to strengthen their squads and improve their chances of success. One such case is that of Benfica, who are reportedly shopping around for a new left back as Milahilo Ristic has fallen out of favor at the club.

Ristic, who joined Benfica in the summer of 2022 as a free agent from Montepellier, initially showed promise with his solid defensive performances and attacking contributions. However, over time, his form has dipped and he has struggled to find playing time even with current starter David Jurasek on the sideline due to injury.

As a result Benfica have begun actively shopping the left back with Spanish club Celta Vigo said to be interested in his services. Ristic has appeared in only twelve games with the club since arriving, scoring once while setting up another goal.