Benfica have acquired 25 year old Colombian winger Yony Gonzalez on a free transfer and signed him until the end of the 2024 season. Gonzalez spent last season in Brazil playing for Fluminense after joining from Colombian side Junior FC just one year prior. Gonzalez who primarily plays on the right side is making his first move across the pond into European football and the winger could not be more excited as he told the media that he has followed Benfica for sometime. Benfica are leaning on loaning Gonzalez out for the remainder of this season with plenty of interested clubs in France glamouring for his services. Gonzalez appeared in 42 games this season across all competitions, scoring nine goals while setting up another five.
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
