Jorge Jesus's return to Benfica has started off with a thump and a kick to the rear, as Benfica get eliminated in a one game leg due to COVID-19 against Greek side PAOK and will not take part in the Champions League group stage for the first time since the 2009/10 campaign. After controlling all of the first half but coming up empty handed Benfica allowed an own goal off of newly signed center back Jan Vertonghen in the second half and then were haunted by recently released Zivkovic for the second goal in what turned into a 2-1 defeat and saved some face with a Rafa Silva header in the 94th minute from being shutout completely in Jesus' first meaningful game since his return.
The loss is devastating to a club that has spent over €80M bringing in reinforcements to the club in their bid to regain the Portuguese Championship but also make some noise in Europe's biggest club competition. The loss will also have a ripple effect within the squad as the club looks to recoup the funds lost from missing out on the Champions League group stage. This loss to PAOK has also shown that Benfica lack a true number eight in the middle of the field a problem that the club will need to address if they are to have success at home and in the Europa League this season.
Benfica are already lining up a back up plan if Olympiakos continue to play hard ball for the acquisition of Portuguese international center back Ruben Semedo with reports coming in that the club will turn once again to the Brazilian league. Benfica are keen on Santos' 25 year old center back Lucas Verissimo who Jorge Jesus is familiar with from his time managing Flamengo. This is not the first time the club has been linked to the Santos player who is a regular stalwart in Santos' back four having appeared in 115 games for the club across all competitions, scoring six goals while adding a helper. Semedo is the preferred choice of the club but with the season set to get underway this upcoming weekend the club wants a center back in place sooner then later and will not hesitate turning to the Santos defender.
Benfica have announced their player list for their upcoming Champions League qualifying clash against Greek club PAOK on Tuesday September 15. Benfica have named 33 players to their squad list for selection of their 18 game day players below:
Keepers: Vlachodimos, Helton Leite, Mile Svilar, Samuel Soares
Defenders: Ruben Dias, Jan Vertonghen, Alex Grimaldo, Andre Almeida, Gabriel, Nuno Tavares, Joao Ferreira, Ferro, Jardel
Midfielders: Pizzi, Julian Weigl, Taarabt, Gabriel, Chiquinho, Samaris, David Tavares, Florentino, Goncalo Ramos, Franco Cervi
Forwards: Carlos Vinicius, Seferovic, Rafa Silva, Cebolinha, Darwin Nunez, Pedrinho, Jota , Diogo Goncalves, Waldschimdt
