In what was the final transfer day for the majority of European leagues with Portugal being an exception as their transfer window closes on Sunday, Benfica were involved in a few moves as the transfer window wrapped up. Benfica opened the day acquiring striker Dyego Sousa on loan from Chinese club Shenzhen FC until the end of 2020, filling a hole in the striker spot that was caused when the club sold Raul de Tomas earlier this month to Spanish side Espanyol.
Benfica would then end the loan spell of midfielder Chris Willock at West Brom and move the youngster to Huddersfield Town with the player on loan until the end of the season. Benfica then made some minor moves acquiring 19 year olds Diogo Almeida from Pacos Ferreira for an undisclosed amount and Derlis Mereles from Rubio Nu on loan. Benfica also continue in negotiations for Boavista keeper Helton Leite and with Corinthians for midfielder Pedrinho looking to wrap up the deals by Sunday.
Benfica continued their winning ways in the Portuguese League with a 3-2 victory over Lisbon rivals Belenenses in Week 19 action. Bruno Lage made one change to last weekends Week 18 squad resting midfielder Gabriel and starting Taarabt in his place. Benfica got two first half goals from Carlos Vinicius on a great solo effort and the other from Taarabt who fired home an Andre Almeida header from a corner kick for his first league goal of the season. Benfica went into the half with a comfortable 2-0 lead but Belenenses came out harder in the second half and cut the lead to one goal when Lica would flick in a low cross. Benfica would though regain the two goal lead just minutes later as Carlos Vinicius would send in substitute Chiquinho in alone and he would dance around the keeper for his first league goal of the season. Belenenses though would keep fighting and were awarded a penalty when Rafa Silva would take down Varela inside the box. Lica would score his second of the game just getting the ball past an out stretched Vlachodimos but that would be as close as Belenenses would get as Benfica would hang on for the victory. Benfica will now travel to Porto next weekend as they get set to take on FC Porto in the Classico, were a Benfica win over second place Porto could put this league season in their hands.
Benfica are in action at home for Week 19 as they get set to take on city rivals Belenenses. Benfica currently have a seven point lead over second place FC Porto and will look to keep it that way.
Benfica will play Belenenses today at 7pm
WEST and they will dress 18 players from the list below.
Keepers- Vlachodimos, Ivan Zlobin
Defenders- Tomas Tavares, Alex Grimaldo, Ruben Dias, Ferro, Jardel, Andre Almeida,
Midfielders- Chiquinho, Pizzi, Taarabt, Franco Cervi, Julian Weigl, Rafa Silva, Gabriel
Forwards- Carlos Vinicius, Seferovic, Jota
