Al-Sadd make offer to Rafa Silva

Qatari club Al-Sadd have returned back into the picture as they look to land Benfica's Rafa Silva in the summer once the player's contract runs out with his Portuguese side. Al-Sadd tried to land Rafa before the start of the current season but were not able to agree to terms for a move, but now are hoping that the 30 year old will make the choice to become a member of the club during the 2024-25 season.

Al-Sadd is said to have offered Rafa a substantial raise of upwards of €7.5M per season for three years, but Rafa chose to remain at Benfica and finish out his contract with the club. Rafa has been one of Benfica's top performers this season, scoring 19 goals while providing 14 helpers across 46 games for the club. Benfica still hopes to retain Rafa's services next season but will be in tough against the deep pockets of Al-Sadd.

Benfica suffer first strike with Taca de Portugal loss

Although Benfica played well in their second leg Taca de Portugal semi-final draw, it was not enough to advance to the semi-finals as they lost to Sporting on aggregate 4-3, handing them their first strike in what is a crucial next two weeks in defining their season, as we discussed in our previous blog.

Benfica in for rough next two weeks

Benfica will now need a victory on Saturday in a rematch against Sporting in what could be a league title deciding match as the Lisbon club goes into Alvalade one point behind their city rivals, who hold a game in hand. A loss by Benfica would see them fall back four points from the top spot, and a win by Sporting in their game in hand would see the lead stretched to seven points with only six games remaining on the season.

Benfica are also still a part of the final eight clubs in the Europa League competition and are set for their first leg next Thursday against French side Marseille. Benfica are hoping that their cup hopes will not go by the wayside when the end of next week comes around.... here is hoping that they are.

Benfica in for a tough next two weeks

The season could all be decided for Benfica over the next two weeks as the club gets set for a series of important contests. The first happening in two days time as they host Sporting in the second leg of the Taca de Portugal semi-final, a contest they go into down 2-1 after the first leg and needing a victory to remain in the competition.

Benfica and Sporting will then do it all over again on Saturday in league action, this time at the Alvalade, where a win by Sporting could all but decide this season's Portuguese League champions. Benfica will then top off this intense schedule, when they host French side Marseille at the Luz in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final next Thursday.

These next two weeks are vital for Benfica's season, as they could be all in or all out after they are done, as the current football season winds down to its conclusion.