Benfica set for Round of 16 Taca de Portugal

Benfica are set to play Farense tomorrow in the Round of 16, Taca de Portugal action, as they look to move into the quarter-final stage. Benfica will face the winner of FC Porto and Famalicao.

Benfica are unbeaten in their past seven games across all competitions and are hoping to extend that streak to eight games in in yet another road game in this seasons competition as the Lisbon club has yet to play a game at the Estadio da Luz.

 

Benfica eyes move to strengthen back line

As the winter transfer window approaches in the coming weeks, Benfica are monitoring Internacional center back Vitao.

The 25 year old defender who's contract runs until the end of 2026 has caught the eye of Benfica, with his solid performances during this past Serie A season. Benfica are not alone in their interest of the Brazilian defender as Flamengo are also said to have their eye on Vitao as well.

Benfica currently have three center backs who represent their core at the position, in Otamendi (37 years old), Antonio Silva (22 years old) and Tomas Araujo (23 years old) and would be looking at Vitao as the fourth member of this group.

With Otamendi's contract set to expire at the end of the season and the emerging growth in the organization of 19 year old center back Goncalo Oliveira. A move for Vitao represents a proactive squad planning move for the club as they look to bolster their squad for next season.

 

Benfica enter must win clash against Napoli

Excitement is building as Benfica get set to host defending Italian Champions Napoli at the Estadio da Luz on Wednesday in a pivotal Matchday 6 encounter of the Champions League phase.

Benfica who earned their first points of the competition on Matchday 5 with a 2-0 victory over Ajax in Amsterdam, have been patchy throughout the competition but the win ended their four game losing streak, offering the club hope with three games remaining.

Napoli brings defensive solidity after back to back clean sheets but have been in poor form away from home, suffering four straight road defeats. The two clubs last met in the competition during the group stage of the 2016-17 season with Napoli winning both contests.

Look for Benfica to come into the game with confidence after a strong performance against cross town rivals Sporting this past week, although they were unlucky to not capture all three points, Benfica are hoping for a favourable result against Napoli on Wednesday.