Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Benfica get stunning win in Champions League

Benfica Blog
Benfica have earned a stunning victory over Spanish giants Barcelona in Champions League action today, their first victory over Barcelona in Europe since the 1960-61 European Cup final, a span of over 60 years.

Benfica did not take long to show off their current in form front three of Roman Yaremchuk, Darwin Nunez and Rafa Silva, as Nunez opened the scoring for the home side just three minutes into the game with a great strike to the bottom left corner after taking a pass from Weigl. Benfica almost doubled their lead when Yaremchuk beat his defenders and got off a shot that was stopped by Barca keeper Ter Stegen. Barcelona almost brought the game level but a shot by Pedri just missed the bottom left corner. Barcelona dominated possession for the remainder of the half but Benfica kept the Spanish side an arms length away. Benfica did lose right back Valentino Lazaro to injury just at the conclusion of the half.

Benfica came out in the second half ready to attack and not sit back on the lead coming close just seven minutes in when Nunez caught Ter Stegen way off his line and rang his shot off the outside of the right post. It took Barcelona a while to get their composure in the half but Benfica continued to turn away the Barcelona attack until Rafa Silva doubled Benfica's lead at the 69 minute mark, smashing a Joao Mario rebound into the top of the net after a nifty one two pass in play between Mario and Yaremchuk. Benfica would then put the game out of reach after a VAR review saw the Lisbon club awarded a penalty when Gilberto's header went off the out stretched arm of defender Sergino Dest. Darwin Nunez would add his second of the game as Benfica took complete control of the game and handed Barcelona their second straight loss of the competition.

Top Stats

Benfica                                        Barcelona

40%       Ball Possession        60%

12           Total Shots               8

11        Chances Created         7 

84%         Pass Success          89%

12         Fouls Conceded         15 

4                Corners                5

1               Offsides                4

6          Shots on Target         1

Monday, September 27, 2021

Benfica ready to keep unbeaten season intact

Benfica Blog
Benfica have yet to lose a game in a competitive match this season as they get set to host Spanish giant Barcelona at home on Wednesday night in Champions League action. Benfica who's season kicked off August 4th as they went through qualifying for the group stage, have remained unbeaten going 10-2-0 in twelve matches of competitive play to start the season.

Benfica look to keep the unbeaten run intact when they take on Barcelona and are hoping to make a statement in this game that the club means business this season. Benfica's front three of Roman Yaremchuk, Darwin Nunez and Rafa Silva should cause Barcelona fits during the game with a mixture of speed and power as manager Jorge Jesus heads into the game feeling confident of his clubs chances.

Benfica's opening Champions League game ended in a scoreless draw in Kiev against Dynamo but the club was unfortunate not to walk away with all three points. If Benfica is to advance to the round of 16, this home game against a weaker Barcelona side then in the past turns into a must win game for the Lisbon club. Benfica's last win against Barcelona was all the way back in the 1960/61 European Cup Final, a 3-2 victory.

Saturday, September 25, 2021

Benfica remain perfect in league play

Benfica Blog
Benfica get through Week 7 in Portugal with their perfect record intact after defeating Guimaraes 3-1 on the road and remain in top spot in Portugal four points clear of their nearest rivals FC Porto and Sporting. Benfica received a pair of goals from Roman Yaremchuk and a lone marker from Joao Mario to power Benfica to victory this evening. A late penalty awarded to Guimaraes and converted by Bruno Duarte, spoiled the clubs chance to earn a clean sheet. Benfica are now a perfect 7-0-0 to start the season and have scored a league best nineteen goals while allowing just four against. Jorge Jesus' men have been powered over the last few games by a potent front three of Roman Yaremchuk, Rafa Silva and Darwin Nunez who have combined for nine goals and added two helpers in the clubs last four league games. Benfica will now get set to face Spanish giants Barcelona at home on Wednesday in Champions League action.