Benfica find out Champions League opponents

Benfica have learned their eight opponents in this seasons league phase of the Champions League after their nail biting win over Fenerbahce 1-0 and the competition will be fierce as the Lisbon club looks to advance into the knock out rounds once again this season.

Benfica were drawn at home against, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Napoli and Qarabag, while they will travel to Chelsea, Juventus, Ajax and Newcastle. They exact dates and times of the games won't be released until the end of the month.

Benfica will be in tough with the magic number of wins to reach the knock out face being at least four games. Last season's final spot into the knock out round saw the 24th place club in the competition finish with 11 points and a 3-2-3 record with a goal differential of -4.

New name pops up on Benfica radar

A new name has popped up on the Benfica shopping list, this time the club is linked with a move for Levante's 22 year old midfielder Carlos Alvarez, with negotiations said to be heating up as the transfer window nears a close.

According to sources Abola and Marca, Benfica is keen to bolster its attack and Alvarez's name has emerged as a prime target. The transfer fee is said to be in the €15 million to €25 million range, though Benfica are looking to keep the fee on the lower end of the range.

Sevilla, Alvarez's former club would be entitled to 40% of any transfer deal between Benfica and Levante. Since joining Levante from Sevilla's youth system his performances with Levante helped the Spanish side climb back into La Liga, he scored seven goals and provided twelve assists in 43 contests last season.

Alvarez excels in chance creation, ranking highly for progressive passing and assists, with a flair for threading ambitious through balls. His dribbling ability allows him to take on defenders, though his shooting frequency and goal efficiency could improve.  

With a contract until 2027, Alvarez’s recent role as a substitute may facilitate the move. Benfica sees him as a creative spark to complement the club's strikers, offering pace, flair and goal-scoring potential. If finalized, this transfer could mark Alvarez as a key piece in Benfica’s ambitious campaign 

Benfica interested in Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder

Benfica have reignited their interest in Shakhtar Donetsk’s attacking midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, a 22-year-old Ukrainian talent with a bright future. According to recent reports, the Lisbon giants are prepared to make a significant investment, with Shakhtar demanding upwards of €40 million for the dynamic playmaker.

Sudakov’s contract, which runs until 2028, and his €150 million release clause, suggest negotiations could be complex, but Shakhtar are not said to be willing to accept anything less than the reported €40 million for the Ukraine international.

Sudakov, a versatile No. 10, would be a perfect fit for Benfica’s attacking philosophy under Bruno Lage. His ability to score (15 goals last season) and create (6 assists) would add flair to Benfica’s midfield, complementing their high-pressing, possession-based style.

His compatriot, Anatoliy Trubin, already at Benfica, could ease his integration, fostering chemistry on and off the pitch. However, competition from Napoli, Juventus, and Premier League clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool could complicate matters for Benfica.

If Benfica secure Sudakov, he could replace Orkun Kokcu's creative spark from the middle of the field, becoming a long-term midfield cornerstone and elevating their European ambitions.