Benfica finally score but exit from Champions League

Benfica finally found the back of the net in their fourth group stage game, but it unfortunately came when the club was already down by three goals, which proved too little and too late as the Lisbon side were handed their fourth straight loss of the competition and will not advance out of the group stage this season.

Benfica's only hope to remain active in Europe is if they can manage to wrestle a third spot away from Salzburg and make their way into the Europa League. With two games remaining in the competition and one of those games against the Austrian side, Benfica could still save some face in UEFA but they will need to get to work.

Benfica could not have started the game more poorly when their new 3-4-2-1 formation did little to spook Real Sociedad, who jumped to a two goal lead just eleven minutes into the contest on a pair of goals from Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyaezabal. An offside prevented the Spanish club from going up three just four minutes later, but a thunderous strike by Barrenetxea at the twenty-one minute mark put this game out of reach for good.

Benfica would score their first goal of the competition when Otamendi found Rafa Silva going to the net after a free kick gave Sociedad some problems, but that would be the only joy the club would see in this game as Sociedad would go on to win 3-1, ending Benfica's Champions League hopes.

Benfica now has two games remaining in the competition, a home contest against Inter Milan and a road game in Austria against RB Salzburg. The club's performances this season have left many fans in a bad place mentally, and not much is expected of the club going forward... how can it be?

Benfica scoring woes continue in win

Benfica is currently facing a significant challenge in their offensive department. The team's goal-scoring struggles have persisted for a period of time now, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the effectiveness of their front line. Although the club escaped with a win over Chaves yesterday, it took a lucky bounce and penalty to score their markers.

Despite boasting a talented squad with players like Rafa Silva and Angel di Maria, Benfica has failed to consistently find the back of the net for a long stretch of time. Their lackluster performances in front of goal have resulted in a bottom place in their Champions League group and a run of results that have seen them escape with victories in a lucky fashion.

The issue lies not only with individual players but also with the team's overall attacking strategy. Benfica has struggled to create clear-cut chances and convert them into goals. This lack of creativity and clinical finishing has hindered their game plan on multiple occasions and the press that did so well last season seems to have been poked full of holes.

In order to overcome this hurdle, Benfica must focus on improving their attacking patterns and enhancing their offensive cohesion as a unit. Additionally, they should explore alternative strategies such as utilizing wingers or midfielders to contribute to the attack.

While it may take time for these changes to yield results, Benfica remains determined to rectify their goal-scoring woes. With continued effort and strategic planning, they will eventually find that missing piece upfront that can elevate them back to the squad we have been accustomed to seeing during the 2022/23 season.

Could Goncalo Guedes be the answer up front for Benfica

Goncalo Guedes, the 26 year old Portuguese talent, could just be the answer up front for Benfica, who have struggled to score goals consistently this season, especially in Champions League play.

While primarily deployed as a winger, there is growing speculation about whether he could be the answer to Benfica's search for a reliable striker after featuring in the role in the club's Taca da Liga encounter earlier this week and not looking out of place.

Guedes possesses all the attributes required to excel in a central role. His pace and agility allow him to outmaneuver defenders, while his excellent ball control and dribbling skills make him a nightmare for opposition defenses. Moreover, Guedes has shown great composure in front of goal throughout his career, displaying an innate ability to find the back of the net.

Furthermore, Guedes' versatility makes him an ideal candidate for the striker role. He can seamlessly switch positions with other attacking players and create space for himself or his teammates. This adaptability would give Benfica's attack an added dimension and keep opposition defenses guessing.

Guedes has all the potential to be Benfica's answer up front in the striker role. His skill set combined with his versatility make him an exciting option up front, and after coming back from two knee surgeries in the past year, the 26 year old may finally regaining his health to become the solution to the club's on going woes.