Benfica open Champions League campaign with win over Red Star Belgrade

Benfica did enough to pull out a victory in their opening Champions League game against Red Star Belgrade as the Lisbon club earned an important 2-1 victory on the road in Serbia.

Turkish duo Kerem Akturkoglu and Orkun Kokcu scored the two Benfica goals in the first thirty minutes of the contest and the club survived a late scare from the hosts who scored in the 86th minute and pressed until the final whistle looking for the equalizer.

Benfica will play their next Champions League game at home against Atletico Madrid on October 2nd as they look to finish in the top twenty-four places of the league and move into the knockout stages of the competition.

On a sour note, Benfica looks to have lost right back Alexander Bah for an extended period of time after the Dane was stretchered off the field in the first half looking to have suffered a serious leg injury.

 

Benfica ready to kick off reformatted Champions League

Benfica will kick off the reformatted Champions League tomorrow as they travel to Belgrade to face Red Star in their opening game of the competition tomorrow. Benfica are hoping to continue their high scoring form from this past weekend under the guidance of Bruno Lage once again.

Benfica will look to secure the three points in what should be a hostile Serbian enviroment. Look for Benfica to control the tempo of the game from the start as the club will look to get on the scoresheet first to silence the home sides fans.

Bruno Lage makes triumphant return to Benfica

Benfica fans were treated to an electrifying performance in Bruno Lage’s first match back in charge. After an unexpected setback just 20 seconds into the game against Santa Clara, the team rallied to secure a convincing 4-1 victory. This match wasn’t just a win; it was a statement showcasing Benfica’s attacking prowess and depth.

From the kickoff, it felt like the game belonged to Santa Clara. They shocked everyone by scoring almost immediately, catching Benfica off guard. But instead of crumbling under the pressure, Benfica showed resilience. It was like being punched in the gut but getting back up with even more determination. This early hiccup proved to be a turning point, igniting a fire within the players.

Once Benfica settled into their rhythm, the tide quickly shifted. The players unleashed a wave of attacking football that left Santa Clara scrambling. It was a display of skill and strategy, demonstrating why Benfica is one of the powerhouses in Portuguese football. Each passing minute saw Benfica grow in confidence, pushing forward with purpose.

Newly signed Turkish winger Kerem Akturkglou brought the game level with his first ever marker for Benfica, it was followed by a Florentino goal, yes Florentino and defender Antonio Silva chipped to start the second half before Angel di Maria sealed the win with 32 minutes left in the game with a beautiful chip shot.

Bruno Lage's tactical approach was evident. The players adapted quickly, exploiting Santa Clara’s weaknesses. Their movement off the ball created space and opportunities. It’s like watching chess pieces maneuver, each strategic move leading to a checkmate. Lage’s understanding of the game allowed Benfica to shift gears and control the tempo, turning the match into a relentless onslaught.

The atmosphere at the Estádio da Luz was electric. Fans cheered, sang, and celebrated every pass and strike. It was a reminder of why football is often called the beautiful game. The connection between the players and the supporters created an unforgettable experience, transforming the stadium into a fortress. With each goal, the belief in Lage’s comeback grew stronger.

Next up for Benfica is Red Star Belgrade, as the club gets set to kick off the newly formatted Champions League campaign in Serbia on Thursday.