Benfica soar to Super Cup glory, set sights on Nice

In a thrilling kickoff to the 2025-26 Portuguese season, Benfica clinched the Candido de Oliveira Super Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Sporting at Estádio Algarve yesterday.

The Lisbon giants showcased their resilience, with Vangelis Pavlidis emerging as the hero. His opportunistic 50th-minute strike, deflected off Sporting’s Morten Hjulmand and past Rui Silva, sealing Benfica’s 11th Super Cup triumph.

Despite a tense finish and Sporting’s late pushes, including a squandered chance by Pedro Gonçalves, Benfica’s defense, led by Antonio Silva, held firm. New signings like Richard Rios, who played the full 90 minutes, signaled a promising season under Bruno Lage.

The victory, celebrated by fervent Benfiquistas chanting “I love Benfica!” in the stands, was a morale booster after Benfica’s Club World Cup exit to Chelsea. It also marked sweet redemption following last season’s Taça de Portugal final loss to Sporting. Lage praised his squad’s cohesion after just 15 days of preparation, setting an optimistic tone for the challenges ahead.

Now, Benfica shifts focus to a crucial two-leg UEFA Champions League third-round qualifier against Nice, starting next week. The Eagles face a stern test against the French side, with a playoff berth at stake for the Champions League league phase. 

Despite a modest pre-season, Benfica’s Super Cup performance showed tactical discipline and attacking intent, though Lage will demand sharper finishing to overcome Nice. With new additions like Amar Dedic and Samuel Dahl bolstering the squad, Benfica is poised to soar in Europe. The red-and-white faithful are ready for the pilgrimage south, dreaming of more silverware.

Benfica Secures Rising Star Franjo Ivanovic from Union Saint-Gilloise

In an exciting move for Benfica fans, the Portuguese giants have finalized the transfer of promising Croatian striker Franjo Ivanovic from Union Saint-Gilloise. The deal marks a significant addition to Benfica’s attacking lineup as they gear up for the 2025-26 season.

The transfer fee has been set at a substantial €23M, with an additional €5M in potential add-ons, bringing the total package to €28M. This agreement also includes a sell-on clause of 20%, ensuring Union Saint-Gilloise benefits from any future profit should Ivanovic move again.

The 21-year-old forward, is signing a contract until June 2030 and has arrived in Lisbon this evening to undergo his medical examination, a key step before officially donning the Benfica jersey. His arrival has already sparked enthusiasm among supporters eager to see his impact on the pitch.

Ivanovic’s breakout 2024-25 season with Union Saint-Gilloise, where he scored twenty goals and provided five assists in 46 appearances, highlighted his potential. His role in securing the Belgian club’s first league title in 90 years caught the attention of several European clubs, including Benfica, who outmaneuvered competition from Wolverhampton and Eintracht Frankfurt. 

The young striker’s versatility and goal-scoring prowess make him an ideal complement to Vangelis Pavlidis, strengthening Benfica’s attack under coach Bruno Lage. This transfer underscores Benfica’s ambition to reclaim dominance in the Portuguese League and excel in European competitions. 

Ivanovic’s journey from HNK Rijeka to Union Saint-Gilloise and now to Lisbon, reflects his rapid rise in football. As he prepares to join pre-season training, fans are optimistic about his contribution and await the official announcement of Ivanovic's move to Benfica, as he begins his Benfica chapter! 

Benfica host Fenerbahce in Eusebio Cup

Benfica will host Fenerbahce in the 14th edition of the Eusebio Cup later today at the Estadio da Luz, looking for their third straight victory in the competition. Benfica have faced off against some top clubs in the game that honours club legend Eusebio, with Real Madrid, Arsenal, AC Milan, Inter and Ajax to name a few. Benfica defeated Feyenoord 5-0 in last seasons game that was attended by over 54,000 fans.