Benfica with toe in Champions League group stage

Benfica are a win or a draw away from qualifying for the Champions League group stage after their 2-1 first leg victory at the Estadio da Luz over Dutch side PSV Eindhoven earlier today. Benfica got a pair of first half goals from Rafa Silva and Julian Weigl before Cody Gakpo cut into the lead early into the second half but that would be as close as PSV would get in this game with the second leg set to take place next Tuesday in the Netherlands. Thanks to a rule change by UEFA this season, the away goal is not as important as previous seasons as any one goal loss would see the game go into additional time to decide the winner but a two goal loss would see Benfica miss out on the Champions League group stage for the second season in a row.

Benfica want to move on from striker Vinicius

Benfica are looking to find a place to move striker Carlos Vinicius before the transfer window closes and would prefer to cash in on the 26 year old as opposed to another loan move, that saw the striker spend last season in England with Tottenham. Vinicius is not one of manager Jorge Jesus' preferred choices up front and is behind a handful of strikers at the club.

Vinicius has been linked with German side Eintracht Frankfurt over the past couple of weeks and it has been reported that Frankfurt are intensifying their pursuit but are only open to a loan move at this time with a €25M option to buy at seasons end. Benfica are said to be pushing for a compulsory buy option at the same price tag based on the appearances made by Vinicius.

Andre Almeida set to return after long layoff

Andre Almeida makes his long awaited return to the Benfica lineup after spending 10 months on the sideline recovering from a rupture to both his cruciate ligament and internal lateral ligament, which he suffered in Week 4 of the 2020/21 season against Rio Ave. Almeida who has appeared in 282 games for Benfica across all competitions has been included in Jorge Jesus' roster list for today's Week 2 game at home against Arouca but will need to compete with current right backs Diogo Goncalves and Gilberto for playing time going forward. It has been a long and difficult road for the 30 year but it is good to see him back healthy.