Could Benfica members elect a new President later this month?

With the Benfica Presidential elections less than 3 weeks away on October 25 a surprise candidate has taken the lead in polls as Joao Noronha Lopes currently sits at around 40% of the popular vote taken, while incumbent President Rui Costa sits with around 31% of the popular vote as the election comes down to the wire.

Benfica club regulations state that the elected President requires 50% of the popular vote before they can be named President of the club, so if no candidate reaches that mark on the 25th, than there will be a run off between the top two vote getters.

Noronha Lopes has become very popular with the younger members of the club who are looking for a new direction and a clean break from the Luis Filipe Vieira era. While older voters and those less likely to answer polls lean towards Rui Costa continuing as the clubs head.

Speaking of Luis Filipe Vieira, it looks like club members have had enough of the former Benfica President as based on poll results he sits a distance fourth with under 10% of the popular vote. Now what would a change at the top mean for newly appointed manager Jose Mourinho? I guess we will have to wait for election day to find out. 

Classico ends the same way it begins at the Dragao

In a tense O Classico at Estadio do Dragao, Benfica and FC Porto battled to a goalless draw on the eve of the international break, with Porto's seven game league winning streak being halted by their former manager Jose Mourinho.

Benfica delivered a defensive masterclass that frustrated Porto but left a lot to be desired in a game that lacked much flair even though it was a highly intense affair that saw eight yellow cards issued amid heated exchanges between the players. 

The Porto faithful pelted the field with objects, many aimed at former club manager Mourinho, while they branded signs in the stands showing their disdain with his choice to join their rivals.

Porto held possession for the majority of the game but managed only two shots on target, doubling Benfica's one.

The first half was sluggish and foul-ridden, with no shots on goal until Georgiy Sudakov's 30th minute strike was palmed away by Diogo Costa. While Porto's Rodrigo Mora almost stole all three points in the second half, when his stoppage time curl rattled the crossbar. 

Porto remains in top spot after eight weeks of action, four points ahead of third place Benfica who have yet to find their groove under Mourinho's guidance. Benfica will return to action on the 17th of the month when they enter the 3rd round of the Taca de Portugal against Chaves.

Does Benzema's European dream involve a potential reunion at Benfica?

Karim Benzema, the French striker who dazzled at Real Madrid for over a decade, is reportedly eyeing a return to European football and departing a stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad. Since joining the Saudi Pro League in 2023, Benzema has scored impressively but faced challenges, including reported dissatisfaction with the league's level.

His contract runs until June 2026, but sources indicate he has no intention of extending it, paving the way for a possible free transfer next summer or even a January exit if negotiations align. Enter Benfica, the Portuguese giants now led by Jose Mourinho, Benzema's former coach at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013. 

The pair enjoyed success together, with Benzema crediting Mourinho for elevating his game. Rumors suggest Mourinho is keen on reuniting with the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner to bolster Benfica's attack, which has shown vulnerabilities throughout this campaign.

Benfica's interest stems from needing a proven goalscorer for their Portuguese League title push and Champions League aspirations. However, challenges abound. At 37, Benzema's age and hefty €100 million annual salary at Al-Ittihad pose financial hurdles for Benfica, who aren't among Europe's richest clubs. 

Mourinho has publicly downplayed the speculation, stating Benzema is "settled" in Saudi, but insider reports hint at interest behind the scenes. Benfica's chances? Moderate at best of acquiring Benzema unless he prioritizes European competition over money, only time will answer that question.