Benfica get set to host Zenit tomorrow in their final Champions League group game in what is a do or die for the club needing a victory and a few other scenarios to happen to have a chance to at least remain playing in UEFA's Europa League in the new year. Benfica who need a victory by two goals or more against Zenit can also move on to the Europa League if RB Leipzig beats Lyon and they defeat Zenit, so in a nut shell Benfica needs a victory tomorrow at home in front of their fans. Benfica will also go into this game with a heavy heart due to the passing of former striker Rogerio "Pippi" de Carvalho. The 97 year old passed away over the weekend and was a member of Benfica from 1942-1954 appearing in 320 games across all competitions, good for 21st on Benfica's all time list. Pippi also added 212 goals for 6th all time in club history. Bruno Lage is hoping that the club will show up and play inspired football in the memory of one of the clubs greats as a Europa League spot awaits
Carlos Vinicius is becoming the lethal striker that Benfica need and after scoring another brace in this weeks games, Vinicius has scored 13 goals for Benfica across competitions. Vinicius has now become Bruno Lage's starting striker replacing last seasons Swiss scoring leader Haris Seferovic and pushing aside expensive summer acquisition from Real Madrid Raul de Tomas. Vinicius has scored 9 goals in league play, tied for the scoring lead with teammate Pizzi. Vinicius has also scored more then one goal in four games of action and is averaging a goal every 64.5 minutes for Benfica. The acquisition of Vinicius from Napoli this summer for €17.5M was a move that left many Benfica fans scratching their heads but the acquisition is starting to pay dividends for the club.
The 24 year old Brazilian striker is not only scoring regularly for the club but he is gaining the attention of some of Europe's bigger clubs while moving up the rankings in Europe's golden boot rankings as he inches into the Top 100. Vinicius only became a regular call up by Lage at the end of October and he has formed some chemistry with attacking midfielder Chiquinho who has also become a regular member of Benfica's starting eleven. Benfica will hope Vinicius hot streak will carry over into Tuesday's Champions League encounter against Zenit as the club fights to stay alive in Europe this season.
Benfica kicked off Week 13 in the league with a convincing victory away at Boavista as they continue to sit a top the Portuguese League for another week. Benfica traveled to Porto to take on a tough Boavista side who had loss only once at home this season and allowed just four goals in six home games. The game kicked off and it was Boavista who got the first chance on goal as a Paulinho strike from outside the box was saved at the center of the goal by Benfica keeper Vlachodimos. Benfica did not take long to reply and a Pizzi goal was called back just six minutes in when the Benfica midfielder was flagged for the offside. Grimaldo would then try his luck from distance but his attempt was easily stopped by Boavista keeper Bracalli. It would take until the 33rd minute mark for Benfica to finally strike and who else other then the leagues hottest scorer. Carlos Vinicius would control a Pizzi cross and his left footed strike would beat Braccili to the low left side and Benfica were up 1-0. Boavista though would level the game before the half time whistle when a Marlon lob pass would evade Benfica's back line and be headed home by Stojiljkovic.
Benfica looked to regain the lead just five minutes into the second half but Braccali would come up with a diving stop on Chiquinho to keep the game tied, but just a minute later Grimaldo would send Vinicius on goal but this time the striker would be play maker as his low cross into the box would be redirected into the net off of Franco Cervi's knee as the winger was tangled up with Boavista's Marlon.
