Benfica continue defensive struggles in disappointing home draw

Benfica were the better club on the night in a draw in their first leg encounter against Scottish side Rangers at the Estadio da Luz, but the club will be disappointed once again with their defensive struggles, which has seen the club allow nine goals in their past three competitive games.

Benfica will now travel to Glasgow to take on the Rangers in the second leg of this round of 16 match, hoping that lady luck shines on them and not on Rangers keeper Butland, who made numerous sensational stops on the night preventing Benfica from scoring four or five in this game.

Instead, Benfica trailed the game twice and needed an own goal in the second half to get level. Benfica are hoping for a strong performance this weekend in league action when they host Estoril before traveling to Scotland for the second leg against Rangers on Thursday.

Roger Schmidt feeling the heat at Benfica

Roger Schmidt could not have had a worse past week on the Benfica sidelines, falling to both of the club's bitter rivals. Benfica lost the first leg to Sporting in the Taca de Portugal semi-final 2-1 midweek, before traveling to take on FC Porto in a league game, where they were handily outplayed in a 5-0 thumping in the always intense O Classico.

Making matters worse, Schmidt did not feel that he needed to apologize to the club's fans for the pathetic display by the club against FC Porto. The loss cost the club the top spot in the league. What has been very infuriating to fans is Schmidt's constant insistence on playing players out of position, especially in the right back and left back spots.

Benfica are in the process of preparing for this weeks Europa League first leg at the Estadio da Luz against Scottish club Rangers in what could turn into a very hostile environment for the club if the Rangers score first. There is no doubt that fans will enter the stadium with their white handkerchiefs, with many wanting the head of the German manager on a platter.

Benfica President Rui Costa knows the heat is on his club and he may have no choice but to part ways with Schmidt after signing him to a two year extension prematurely, half way through last season. Benfica fans are not only expecting a victory on Thursday, but a convincing win, as a Benfica exit in the Europa League could prove fatal to Schmidt and his time at the club.

Benfica land first reinforcement for next season

Benfica have made their first signing for next season and it did not cost them a cent in transfer fees, as according to reports out of Portugal, the club have put pen to paper with the acquisition of Mainz midfielder Leonardo Barreiro.

The midfielder went through medical examinations in Germany and it is being reported that the contract he and the club signed will be for five seasons. The 24 year old is a Luxembourg international and has been with Mainz since the summer of 2017.

Barreiro should fit nicely into Roger Schmidt's system, as he is considered a box to box midfielder with a strong tactical culture. Barreiro has appeared in 142 games for Mainz across all competitions, scoring nine goals while setting up eleven.