Benfica in must win game as they get set to host Leverkusen

As the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League season unfolds, Benfica finds itself in a precarious position. After suffering three consecutive defeats in the league phase, the Portuguese giants are teetering on the brink of an early exit from the competition.

A string of losses has exposed defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of clinical finishing, leaving Benfica fans anxious and demanding a turnaround. This week, Benfica hosts Bayer Leverkusen in a pivotal home fixture with both clubs looking for their first win in the competition but Leverkusen has managed two draws in their three games.

Benfica is hoping that their home fortress could prove decisive in boasting a raucous atmosphere that has toppled many elites in the past. A victory is non-negotiable for Jose Mourinho's side to revive their campaign and climb the standings.

Key players like Vangelis Pavlidis, Dodi Lukebakio and Richard Rios must step up in this contest. Will Benfica rise from the ashes, or deepen their crisis? The stage is set for drama in Lisbon this Wednesday night.

Benfica advance to Taca da Liga semis as they look to defend title

Benfica opened the defense of their Taca da Liga title with a convincing 3-0 victory over Tondea in the quarter-final stage and will now move on to face Braga in the semi-finals, the same as it played out last season.

The Final Four of the competition will be played once again in Leiria with Benfica and Braga going head to head on January 6, 2026 for a place in the Finals on the Saturday of January 10. 

Benfica got goals from captain Otamendi who converted a goal from the penalty spot in the first half, while Dodi Lukebakio and Vangelis Pavlidis cemented the victory with a pair of goals in the final twelves minutes of the game.

Benfica will be looking to capture their ninth Taca da Liga this season 

Benfica elections heading to a run off next Saturday

Benfica held a record setting election for President in which it failed to get a candidate over the 50% threshold that is required to become the club President for the next 4 years, setting up a run off on November 8.

Benfica club support members (socios) set an all time record with just over 85,000 supporters casting a ballot in the election yesterday. Current Benfica President led the way in support but garnered only 42.1% of the votes a massive drop from 2021 in which he captured 84.8% of members ballots.

Finishing in second was Joao Noronha Lopes who captured 30.2% of supporters votes, while former Benfica President Luis Filipe Vieira finished a distant third with just 13.8% of votes cast his way.

Costa and Lopes will now have two weeks to get the support of the 27+% of voters that they did not receive in the first round of elections in hopes of reaching the 50% required mark to be named the club President.