Marseille eye Benfica striker for January move

A salvation for Benfica could be coming in January, with reports from La Tribune Olympienne that Marseille are interested in making a move for the out of favour striker who has just not been able to fit in with the Lisbon side since arriving from Fiorentina in the summer.

Cabral has scored a meager three goals this season in eighteen appearances across all competitions and has yet to score a goal in league play, all this while seeing 644 minutes of action, as his lack of production has cost the 25 year old playing time with the squad.

Benfica acquired Cabral from Fiorentina for €20M in hopes that the Brazilian would replace the goal production lost by the departure of Goncalo Ramos, who moved to PSG a few weeks prior but Cabral's lack of finish and issues with the club's fans (drive by flipping of the bird) have made the latest rumours of Marseille's interest, welcome news.

 

Benfica move into Final Four of Taca da Liga

Benfica came into their final group game of the Taca da Liga, coming off a 1-0 nail biting victory over Braga on the weekend. The Lisbon club came ready to host AVS (formerly Aves) with a goal of advancing into the Final Four of the Taca da Liga after missing out last season.

AVS opened the scoring, putting a scare into Benfica and the crowd, but Angel di Maria, Joao Mario, Tiago Gouveia, and an own goal saw the home side capture the victory easily (4-1) when the night was said and done. Benfica will now take on Estoril in one semi-final for a place in the Final, which is set for January 27, 2024, at the Estadio Municipal de Leiria.

On a scary note, a fan was stabbed during the game. Police and firefighters were quick to respond, and the man was taken to the hospital, where it is reported in Portugal that he is currently in stable condition.

Benfica draw Toulouse in Europa League playoff

Benfica found out their opponents earlier today when they were drawn against French club Toulouse for their Europa League playoff which will take place in a two leg affair in February on the 15th and 22nd. Benfica will host the first leg at their famous Estadio da Luz before traveling to France for the second leg.

Toulouse finished runner up in their Europa League group, one point behind group winners Liverpool, earning a victory over the English club at home during match day four. Toulouse's Ligue 1 season has been rather disappointing with the club currently sitting 15th in the league standings with just two wins on the season which is one less then they got in the Europa League.

The winner of this clash will move into the Europa League round of 16 were they will face one of the eight group winners that have a bye for this upcoming round.