Benfica discuss Cruzeiro left back Pereira

Benfica have had discussions with agent Fernando Britto who represents left back Matheus Pereira of Cruzeiro on the agents recent visit to Portugal. The 20 year old Pereira was promoted to Cruzeiro's main squad in August and has recently signed a contract with the Brazilian club until the summer of 2023 but that has not stopped Britto from shopping his player's services to other clubs. FC Porto have also been in talks Britto during his current visit but neither club has made any formal proposal to Cruzeiro for Pereira. Benfica have already been linked with Wolves left back Ruben Vinagre which leads many to believe that current starting left back Alex Grimaldo could potentially be on the move this summer.

 

Diogo Goncalves has earned the right to be starter

Diogo Goncalves has taken a long path to get to were he is today, after spending the majority of his youth at Benfica's Seixal academy. Goncalves went through an unsuccessful loan spell with English side Nottingham Forest and then a terrific season last year on loan at Famalicao before remaining with the club this season. If Jorge Jesus got one thing right since his return back to the club, it was giving Goncalves time to learn to play right back a new position for Goncalves who was accustomed to playing on the right wing.

After the season ending injury to starting right back Andre Almeida in just the fourth game of the season, the right back position fell to summer arrival Gilberto. The 28 year old Brazilian kept the spot warm until Goncalves was unleashed in February and his fine form has earned him a regular place among the starting XI. Goncalves should remain in that position after the return of regular starter Andre Almeida as he has looked good in Jesus' 4-4-2 formation along with his 3-5-2 formation which sees Goncalves play higher up the field.

Since becoming the clubs regular starting right back, Goncalves has appeared in 15 games and scored twice while setting up another five goals across all competitions. His set piece goal against Arsenal in the Europa League round of 32 was magnificent and a statement that he had finally arrived and the clubs search for an every day right back was over. Goncalves was recently awarded as Benfica's break through player of the year which should only cement his place with the squad next season.

Benfica may get alternate route to Champions League

With Benfica looking likely to finish the season in third spot in Portugal, their route to the Champions League group stage will need to go through the league path. Which would involve advancing past two rounds to get to the group stage but this could all change if Manchester United defeat Villarreal in the Europa League final set to take place on May 26, 2021.

Since Manchester United have already qualified for the Champions League group stage a win in the Europa League would open up a spot in the Champions League group stage that normally goes to the Europa League winner. That spot would go to the club that finishes in third place in France and the third place team in Portugal would then move into the playoff round instead of starting in the third qualifying round.

In simple terms a Man United victory in the Europa League final would see Benfica only need to win one round instead of two rounds to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League. This alternate route would make Benfica's goal of joining Sporting and FC Porto in the group stage that much easier, giving Portugal three clubs in the competition for the first time since the 2017-18 season.