Benfica got a scare from league cellar dwellers Aves at the Estadio da Luz in Week 16 and escaped the game with a 2-1 victory in a game that saw the debut of recently acquired German midfielder Julian Weigl. It was Aves that opened the scoring at the 20th minute mark when striker Mohammadi's individual effort saw him rough the ball past Benfica keeper Vlachodimos. Benfica's chances in the first half were many with the best one coming from striker Seferovic that was stopped in close range by Aves keeper Beunardeau but the clubs would go into the half with an unexpected Aves leading the way. Benfica made a change to start the second half bringing in striker Carlos Vinicius to replace Jota but Aves continued to stand tall as they defended their slim one goal lead. It was not until the 76th mark when Vinicius was hauled down in the box by midfielder Falcao that league scoring leader Pizzi would convert from the penalty spot to bring the game level. Andre Almeida who was making his first start for Benfica since November 30 due to injury would play the hero on this day as his low shot from a corner would get past Aves keeper Beunardeau at the 86th minute to give Benfica the victory as they get set for their Week 17 encounter against Lisbon Derby rivals Sporting.
Benfica go into Week 16 with a home game against the leagues cellar dwellers Aves in Portuguese League action.
Benfica will need to be focused on this encounter and not look ahead to next weeks Lisbon Derby and the seasons halfway mark. Benfica will play Aves at 7pm
WEST.
They will dress 18 players from the list below.
Keepers- Vlachodimos, Ivan Zlobin
Defenders- Tomas Tavares, Alex Grimaldo, Ruben Dias, Ferro, Andre Almeida,
Midfielders- Chiquinho, Pizzi, Gabriel, Franco Cervi, Samaris, Caio Lucas, Gedson Fernandes, Julian Weigl
Forwards- Carlos Vinicius, Seferovic, Jota
Benfica President Luis Filipe Vieira is in Italy looking to close a deal for 21 year old Serie B striker Gianluca Scamacca according to reports from Italy. Benfica who are in the process of closing a sale with Espanyol for the services of Raul de Tomas have their eyes set on his replacement and feel that the Sassuolo striker who is currently on loan at Ascoli would be the right fit for the club. Benfica are said to have offered Sassuolo €10M plus bonuses to acquire Scamacca and Vieira is preparing to meet with Scamacca personally as he looks to convince him to join the Lisbon club this January. Scamacca has appeared in 17 games for Ascoli this season scoring ten goals and has been a member of Italy's youth national sides at every level from U15 to the U21. Benfica are reluctant to go much higher then their current offer for a player that has appeared in only three Serie A games to date.
