Benfica blow chance to move back to top of league

Benfica had the opportunity to move back into top spot after league leaders Sporting played Guimaraes to a 4-4 draw on Friday but the Lisbon club stumbled at the Luz, losing to Braga 2-1, their second straight loss in league action after losing to city rivals Sporting the previous week.

Benfica had another lackluster first half against Braga which led to their downfall as they went into the half down 2-0, it was the same disappointing performance that proved costly in their loss to Sporting. 

There second half was much better but they could not come back to take any points in the game and now sit in third spot as the season reaches the halfway point of the campaign.

Benfica will face Braga in a rematch on Wednesday in Leiria for a place in the League Cup Finals, then travel to the Algarve for a round of 16 Taca de Portugal game against Farense and then kick off the second half of the season versus Famalicao on the 17th.

What Benfica needs to do in Winter Transfer Window

With the winter transfer window now officially open, Benfica will look to make some minor moves to the squad while resisting making any player sales during this period.

Benfica coach Bruno Lage feels that the current squad has the right pieces to claim the Portuguese League crown and if the club is to look at a move it would be at the right back position, with the club ending the loan of Man City right back Issa Kabore early.

Lage could also look to the Seixal academy to add a player to back up current starter Alexander Bah, with the names of Leandro Santos and Diogo Spencer being mentioned.

Benfica may also look at a winger to provide some relief for 36 year old  Angel di Maria. The club is still competing in four competitions at the moment and would like to manage Di Maria's minutes, so that they continue to get the best from the player.

The winter transfer window will remain open until February 5th, 2025.

 

Benfica being linked to Flamengo center back

Flamengo's 21 year old center back Cleiton is on Benfica's radar as the Lisbon side look to add depth to the back line. Cleiton is in the final year of his contract with Flamengo and open to negotiating with any club in July 2025 and Benfica are counting on Flamengo's fear to lose the player for no return plays into making a deal with the club.

The youngster is not a regular for Flamengo at this time only appearing in 5 games last season but is a left footed center back which is a valuable quality for the position. Benfica are hoping to negotiate an affordable price point with the Brazilian club and could commence talks when the winter transfer window opens in the next couple of days.