Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Benfica blow a tire late and now set for fight to remain in UEFA

Benfica Blog
Benfica coughed up a two goal lead after the 89th minute to German side RB Leipzig ending any hopes of advancing to the round of 16 in Champions League action. The draw in Germany eliminated Benfica from progressing and the club will now need to win their last home game against Zenit to have any hope of remaining in UEFA this season and moving into the Europa League as the third place team in the group. The final round of games could result in many tie breaker scenarios which we will review at the end of the blog after the game recap.

Benfica came into the game knowing they needed a road win to keep their Champions League hopes alive after Zenit defeated Lyon in the earlier game. Benfica started the game on the right foot as Chiquinho tried his luck from range but his volley just went over the net two minutes in. Leipzig captain Forsberg then would get a break when Benfica midfielder Taarabt lost possession in a poor position but his effort sliced over the bar. The clubs continued to exchange chances in the first twenty minutes but it would be Benfica who would open the scoring when Pizzi would drill his shot into the bottom right corner to give Benfica a 1-0 lead. Leipzig would then look for the equalizer after a Benfica defensive error but Vlachodimos would be up for the challenge making the stop on Nkunku. Vlachodimos would be tested again within minutes first stopping a Forsberg low strike, he would follow that up with a spectacular palm save on Sabitzer from the center of the box as Leipzig took control of the game. Benfica though would come close to scoring before the half when a Pizzi curled shot would clip the post and go wide. The half would end with Benfica up 1-0 even though Leipzig controlled large portions of the first half.

Benfica squad set for Champions League encounter

Benfica Blog
Benfica get set for their fifth group game with slim hopes of advancing to the Round of 16 in the Champions League as they travel to Germany to take on RB Leipzig. Benfica currently sit in last spot of their group having only one win in their first four games. Benfica play RB Leipzig on the road today at 8:00pm WEST.

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, Chiquinho, Caio Lucas

Forwards- Jota, Carlos Vinicius, Raul de Tomas

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Benfica find out opponent for Taca round of 16

Benfica Blog
Benfica have found out their opponents for next months round of 16 encounter in the Taca de Portugal as they get set to face Braga in what is the most intriguing game of the round of 16. Benfica will host their first game of the Taca tournament on December 19 after playing their first two games away from the Estadio da Luz, this round will see one of last seasons semi-finalists eliminated early from tournament play. Benfica and Braga last met in the same round of 16 back during the 2014/15 season which resulted in Braga eliminating Benfica by a 2-1 score on their way to finishing up as last seasons runner up.