Benfica have ended a run of three league games in seven days, gaining maximum points in all their encounters and vaulting the Lisbon club into top spot in all of Portugal two points in front of second place side FC Porto and four points in front of third place Famalicao. Benfica kicked off their busy campaign with a uninspiring 1-0 victory over Tondela on the road, were an early Ferro header helped Benfica escape with the victory. Benfica manager Bruno Lage would then make five changes to the starting eleven as Benfica would host Portimonense mid-week. The changes seemed to spark Benfica offensively as the club cruised to a 4-0 win as Carlos Vinicius earning his first league start, lead the way with a brace while Andre Almeida and Ruben Dias scored the other markers. Benfica left back Grimaldo chipped in three helpers in his man of the match performance.
This victory along with an FC Porto draw in Madeira against Maritimo vaulted Benfica into top spot in the league. Benfica would then end their week with another home tilt this time against Rio Ave, earning another clean sheet and their eighth of the season in a 2-0 victory, Pizzi and Ruben Dias would score for the league leading Eagles. Benfica will now turn their focus to tomorrows Champions League encounter against Lyon as they look to escape the basement of their group hoping to hand the French side another loss.
Benfica continue their busy week of games with a home encounter against Rio Ave in Week 10, Benfica who now sit in top spot in the league after Week 9's midweek games. This weekends
game
will take place today at 6pm WEST and 18 players from the list below will
dress for the game.
Keepers- Vlachodimos, Ivan Zlobin
Defenders- Ferro, Alex Grimaldo, Jardel, Tomas Tavares, Andre Almeida, Ruben Dias, Nuno Tavares
Midfielders- Pizzi, Franco Cervi, Gedson Fernandes, Gabriel, Florentino, Taarabt, Samaris, Chiquinho
Forwards- Seferovic, Jota, Carlos Vinicius
Benfica's upcoming Taca de Portugal 4th round game against Vizela has been set, the game will take place November 23 at the Estadio Futebol Clube Vizela. Benfica and Vizela will meet for the first time ever in the Taca de Portugal. Benfica won their 3rd round Taca de Portugal encounter against Cova da Piedade, while Vizela defeated Casa Pia to move into the 4th round of the competition.
