Benfica need one more center back to join club

The season is ready to get underway and Benfica could use one more center back for the season, especially if they will continue to play in a three center back system each and every game. The starting three of Nicolas Otamendi, Jan Vertonghen and Lucas Verissimo are currently backed up by Morato and Ferro, two players that Jorge Jesus is not super excited to use regularly if one of the starting three is injured.

The likely hood of injury is always present and with Otamendi and Vertonghen pushing close to their mid thirties, Benfica could use a center back with a little experience to shore up the fourth center back position. Benfica should look within the league to keep the cost low and a name that comes to mind is Moreirense's captain Lazar Rosic. 

The Serbian has been in Portugal since the summer of 2016, spending time at Braga and Nacional before joining Moreirense. Rosic has appeared in 117 games since arriving in Portugal across all competitions, scoring 5 goals while setting up a pair. Rosic has the league experience to step in if one of the starting three were to go down with injury and would end up being a good insurance policy for the season.

Benfica win over Spartak in first leg

Benfica opened their Champions League group stage quest with a victory in Moscow over Spartak 2-0 earlier today. Benfica opened the scoring in the second half when Rafa Silva scored in the 51st minute on a neat give and go with midfielder Joao Mario. Benfica then doubled their lead when Lucas Verissimo feed a pass through to right back Gilberto in the 74th minute.

Benfica will kick off their league season on the weekend against Moreirense before hosting Spartak in the second leg on Tuesday August 10th. If Benfica hang onto their advantage they will move onto the final playoff were they will take on the winner of PSV and Midtjylland were PSV have the advantage after posting a 3-0 victory on Tuesday.

Benfica find out path to Champions League group stage

Benfica have found out their path today to the Champions League group stage and all the riches that it entails, it commences this week with a game in Moscow against Spartak. Benfica will play the two leg series in the Champions League 3rd qualifying round this Wednesday with the return leg back in Lisbon on Tuesday August 10th.

If Benfica advance past Spartak then they will face off against the winners of PSV and Midtjylland in the final playoff to land a spot in the coveted Champions League group stage. The final playoff will have the first leg take place on August 17 or 18 at home with the second leg away on August 24 or 25.