Benfica will return to action in Champions League

Benfica who are coming off a come from behind victory over Farense in the round of 16 Taca de Portugal, will return to action in the Champions League, league phase when they go head to head against Barcelona at the Luz on Tuesday January 21. Benfica will then travel to Italy to finish this stage of the competition on the road against Juventus the following week on Wednesday.

Benfica currently sit in 15th spot with the top 24 moving into the knockout stages of the competition. Barcelona currently sit in second spot while Juventus are just one place ahead of Benfica going into the final two games. A victory in either of these games would see Benfica continue in the competition, a draw or a pair of losses and the club will need some help in other games.

Benfica will take on Famalicao tomorrow in an important league game before their encounter with Barcelona mid-week. The club is hoping to have Angel di Maria back for these games after he suffered a knock in the Taca game and was substituted in the first half of the game. Early reports say that the injury is not considered serious.

Farense keeper back on Benfica radar

Farense keeper Ricardo Velho is once again being discussed with a potential future move to Benfica, with the two clubs set to go head to head in the Taca de Portugal's round of 16 tomorrow. The 26 year old will have a lot of the club's eyes on his performance against the club.

Farense is hoping to cash out on Velho, who holds a €10M buy clause, one that the Algarve club does not want to budge on, hence his longer than expected stay in Faro.

Velho has appeared in 90 games with Farense across all competitions after joining from Braga's organization in the summer of 2020. His appearances include action across all competitions that include both Portugal's top league and the second division.

Velho is no longer a keeper who just plays on a small club in Portugal after earning his first call-up to Portugal's senior squad this past October. Look for Benfica to bring the asking price for Velho down if any agreement is going to happen between the two squads.

Benfica capture their 8th Taca da Liga title over rivals

In a gripping showdown, Benfica clinched their 8th Taca da Liga title against their fierce rivals, Sporting. The competition, which gives clubs another opportunity to capture a trophy during the season, featured a nail-biting match that ended in a 1-1 draw, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout. Benfica showcased their nerve and skill, converting all their penalties in a 7-6 victory, capturing their first title since 2016.

Benfica opened the scoring in the first half when youngster Andreas Schjelderup danced past his defender and got a low shot past Sporting keeper Franco Israel but Sporting would equalize before the half as star striker Viktor Gyokeres would convert from the penalty spot, to bring the game level.

The second half failed to match the exciting first half that both clubs put on display as both managers decided to shift into a tighter defensive style of play, hoping to capitalize on a mistake. The game went straight to penalties after 90 minutes and  after 13 straight conversions by both clubs, Benfica keeper Anatoliy Trubin would make a save on Francisco Trincao to give the Eagles the title.