Benfica eked out a victory at Guimaraes this weekend in Week 15 action to remain ahead of FC Porto by four points in the race for the League Championship. Benfica got a first half goal from Franco Cervi at the 23rd minute mark when the Argentine winger picked up a Pizzi cross into the box and had his low shoot get past Guimaraes keeper Douglas. The hosts Guimaraes though keep pressuring as they looked for an equalizer before the half but Vlachodimos came up big twice first turning away Lucas Evangelista's strike and then denying Marcus Edwards byline attempt. The second half saw Guimaraes keep the pressure coming but Benfica would hang on and earn their league leading eleventh clean sheet of the season in a hard fought 1-0 win. Benfica return to action on Friday at home in Week 16 action against cellar dweller Aves but a midweek quarter final Taca de Portugal game against Rio Ave.
Benfica open the 2020 season in Week 15 with an away game to take on Guimaraes in Portuguese League action. Benfica will be looking to send Guimaraes a message of the Northern Portugal club topped their Taca da Liga group moving onto the semi-finals of the tournament. Benfica will play Guimaraes at 8:30pm WEST.
They will dress 18 players from the list below.
Keepers- Vlachodimos, Ivan Zlobin
Defenders- Tomas Tavares, Jardel, Alex Grimaldo, Ruben Dias, Ferro, Andre Almeida,
Midfielders- Chiquinho, Pizzi, Gabriel, Franco Cervi, Samaris, Caio Lucas, Gedson Fernandes, Florentino, Taarabt
Forwards- Carlos Vinicius, Seferovic, Raul de Tomas
Benfica have made it official announcing the signing of German defensive midfielder Julian Weigl. Benfica have acquired the 24 year old from Borussia Dortmund for €20M and signed him until the end of the 2023/24 season. Weigl will also have a buy out clause of €100M for any future clubs that may be interested in his services. Benfica fans should enjoy Weigl's passing ability and his eye catching style of play. Weigl has enjoyed the eye of some of Europe's bigger clubs over the past couple of seasons with Barcelona, Manchester City and PSG all enamoured by his style of play. Benfica paid a hefty price making Weigl their second highest purchase ever matching Raul De Tomas' price tag from this summer.
