Benfica are set to host a quarter final encounter later today against Rio Ave as they look to advance to the semi-finals of the Taca de Portugal for the second year in a row. Benfica will play Rio Ave at 9:15pm
WEST.
They will dress 18 players from the list below.
Keepers- Ivan Zlobin, Mile Svilar
Defenders- Tomas Tavares, Alex Grimaldo, Ruben Dias, Ferro, Andre Almeida,
Midfielders- Chiquinho, Pizzi, Taarabt, Franco Cervi, Samaris, David Tavares, Florentino, Julian Weigl, Rafa Silva
Forwards- Carlos Vinicius, Seferovic, Jota
Benfica are once again linked to another Real Madrid striker after the unsuccessful purchase of Raul de Tomas during the summer transfer window, the club could visit the Madrid well once again and try their luck with Dominican Republic striker Mariano Diaz. The Spanish edition of Four Four Two state that Diaz is the preferred target of Bruno Lage as he looks to replace the now departed Raul de Tomas, with the club looking at a loan deal for Diaz with an option to purchase. The under used 26 year old has only appeared in just 44 minutes of action this season for Real Madrid and would welcome a move that would garner him more playing time. Real Madrid acquired Diaz from French club Lyon during the summer of 2018 after the striker scored 21 goals across all competitions that season but Diaz has appeared in only 21 games since joining Real totaling 645 minutes of action. Benfica who currently have two experienced strikers with the club in Carlos Vinicius and Haris Seferovic are looking at Diaz as an insurance option before the transfer window closes this winter.
Bruno Lage became the fastest manager in Portuguese football history to reach 100 points in league play after Benfica's win over Aves on Friday night. Lage has lead Benfica to 45 points this season and earned 55 points with the club after taking over at the helm in January of 2019 to hit the 100 point mark in just 35 league games. Lage's record as manager of Benfica is 33-1-1 with his only draw and defeat coming against Belenenses and FC Porto respectively with both happening at Benfica's Estadio da Luz.
Lage broke the record held by former FC Porto manager Artur Jorge, who hit the mark in 38 games from 1984-1986.
