Benfica finally snap a four game winless skid across all competitions dating back to February 4ths Taca de Portugal semi-final game with a narrow 1-0 victory over Gil Vicente in Week 22 action. The victory moves Benfica back into top spot leaping over FC Porto and remaining one point ahead of their nearest and only rival to the title this season. Benfica got an early goal from Carlos Vinicius who headed home a Taarabt cross for his league leading 15th goal of the season at the 15 minute mark. The lead was almost surrendered two minutes later but Gil Vicente's Baraye missed a golden opportunity to equalize. Gil Vicente was the lively of the two clubs for most of the middle part of the half and if not for some stellar goalkeeping by Vlachodimos Benfica's lead would have vanished. Carlos Vinicius would then score his second of the game but his goal would not stand and was called back offside at the 35th minute. Then just before the half Vinicius' out reached leg would not get to the low cross placed across the crease by defender Ruben Dias and Benfica went into the half with a 1-0 lead. Benfica's Taarabt almost doubled the clubs lead at the 66th minute mark but his left footed shot would clang off the crossbar and out. Vlachodimos would come up with one more big save when he stopped a close range shot by Hugo Vieira at the 73rd minute, Gil Vicente's last real threat of the game as Benfica held firm for the 1-0 victory. Benfica will now turn their attention to Thursdays second leg Europa League encounter against Shakthar Donetsk at home as the club looks to overturn a 2-1 first leg loss.
Benfica have added their name along with rivals FC Porto in the chase to land Tondela right back Fahd Moufi. The 23 year old who's current contract expires on June 30 not only has the Portuguese giants interested in his services, with clubs Nantes, Real Betis and Sevilla also in the picture. It's been reported that Porto have already had their first offer to sign Moufi rejected by the French born right back who has been a member of Tondela since the 2017/18 season. Moufi who currently earns €70,000 per season is looking for a substantial raise increase from any potential buyer that is looking to land his services for next season. Moufi has appeared in 40 games across all competitions with Tondela, scoring once and adding one assist but 19 of Moufi's Tondela games have come during this current season. Benfica are interested in adding some insurance to the right back position with current starter Andre Almeida inching closer to 30 years of age and current back up Tomas Tavares yet to hit 19 years of age.
Benfica for the first time in 2020 are currently not in top spot in Portugal and need a victory tomorrow at Barcelos to regain it from FC Porto. Benfica are currently on a four game winless run across all competitions and with a midweek Europa League game on the horizon the club will look for a confidence building win in Week 22 action. Benfica play Gil Vicente tomorrow at 7:30pm WEST and
they will dress 18 players from the list below.
Keepers- Vlachodimos, Ivan Zlobin
Defenders- Tomas Tavares, Alex Grimaldo, Ruben Dias, Ferro, Nuno Tavares
Midfielders- Chiquinho, Pizzi, Taarabt, Franco Cervi, Rafa Silva, Samaris, Florentino, Julian Weigl
Forwards- Carlos Vinicius, Seferovic, Jota, Dyego Sousa
