Benfica WOW.... Just WOW in Champions League win

Benfica did the unthinkable earlier today at the Luz and defeated Real Madrid 4-2 in an incredibly exciting game that saw keeper Anatoliy Trubin head in the final goal in the final play of the game to get Benfica into the final spot and slip into the next round of the Champions League.

The first half was an end-to-end spectacle. Real Madrid took the lead in the 30th minute when Kylian Mbappe headed home the opener from a Raul Asencio cross. Benfica responded quickly, equalizing just six minutes later through a Andreas Schjelderup's header on a counter-attack, set up by striker Vangelis Pavlidis.

Vangelis Pavlidis converted a penalty just before the half which was won after a foul in the box from a corner kick to Otamendi, giving Benfica a 2-1 advantage at the break. Benfica had one of their strongest half of the season and was unlucky to not be up by more.

The second half continued the intensity and Schjelderup would strike again just nine minutes into the half to make the score 3-1 for the home side, capitalizing on a swift move inside and beating Courtois to the low left side. Mbappe would cut the lead to one with his second of the match just four minutes later on a clinical finish.

Late drama would then ensue as Real would finish with nine men after red cards to Asencio and Rodrygo in injury time. Benfica went into what would become the final play of the game leading 3-2 and needing one more goal to move into the final play-off spot on goal difference.

Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin would move up for the set piece and join his teammates, rising highest to head home a 98th minute cross from Fredrik Aursnes, sealing the 4-2 win and a miraculous qualification for a club that started the campaign with four straight losses.

This pulsating match showcased Benfica's resilience under manager Jose Mourinho and provided the fans some real joy for once this season. Benfica's reward for finishing 24th in the league phase is an encounter potentially against Inter Milan or..... Real Madrid once again.

 

Benfica close landmark TV deal with NOS

Benfica announced a pivotal renewal of their television and multimedia rights deal with NOS, a landmark deal for the Portuguese giants over the next two seasons.

The extension comes as the club prepares for changes to the future of domestic broadcasting rights in Portugal. Benfica's initial major TV rights agreement with NOS dates back to December 2015 and was valued at up to €400 million over the past ten seasons.

The renewal covers the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons, bridging to 2028 when centralized TV rights for the Portuguese Liga are set to take effect. Benfica will receive a total of €114.2 million over the next two seasons, the largest TV rights contract in Portuguese football history.

The deal represents a massive 42.75% increase from their prior deal and will provide a massive revenue boost for the squad, Benfica home games will continue to air on their Benfica TV channel.

Benfica's winter hunt could take them to Genoa

Benfica are turning their attention to Genoa's promising 19-year-old Italian born striker, Jeff Ekhator. With Benfica seeking to bolster their attacking options, Ekhator has emerged as one of their key targets to provide much needed depth behind starter Vangelis Pavlidis.

This interest comes after Benfica missed out on a loan deal for Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca, who is now set to join Nottingham Forest, redirecting the Portuguese club's focus in a different direction.

Genoa is said to want close to €20 million from Benfica if they are to land Ekhator, which would represent a significant investment for a depth player but falls in line with the club's acquisition of younger players with potential for increased value.

However, they're not alone in the race for Ekhator with Crystal Palace also eyeing him as a backup if their pursuit of Angers' Sidiki Cherif falls through, while Bologna and Atalanta have also shown interest.

Ehkator has come up through Genoa's youth system and has played in 576 minutes this season across all competitions, scoring three goals, yet at such a price tag would he be worth the gamble.