Botafogo in talks with Benfica for Gilberto

Brazilian club Botafogo are looking to land Benfica's 28 year old right back Gilberto as businessman and new club owner John Textor is set to travel to Lisbon to meet with Benfica officials to seal the move. Textor is the same Textor who had his advancements to purchase a percentage of Benfica rejected late last year by the board. Botafogo are said to be ready to pay Benfica around €4M for the services of Gilberto.

Gilberto joined Benfica in the summer of 2020 for €3M from Brazilian side Fluminense but has failed to wrestle away the regular starting role at the club. Gilberto has appeared in 59 games across all competitions since his arrival, scoring four goals while setting up an additional three. The Brazilian transfer window closes April 12 so Gilberto would be able to leave immediately if terms are agreed.

 

Benfica set for Ajax with little hope of advancing

Benfica get set to face Dutch side Ajax in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 in Lisbon and head into the game having dropped points in four out of their last eight league games with the latest poor performance happening just this past Friday that saw the club blow a two goal lead to draw against Boavista.

Current intern manager Nelson Verissimo looks out of his league managing this club and that gives us Benfica supporters little hope that the club will advance past current Dutch league leaders and Champions League group stage winners Ajax. Benfica have conceded ten goals in nine games across all competitions in 2022 and take on an Ajax side that has scored 28 goals in 2022 in just seven games across all competitions.

Benfica will have their hands full in Lisbon on Wednesday in what looks set to be a high scoring affair but even if the club can miraculously escape the game with a draw or a surprising win. They will then need to head to Amsterdam for the second leg of this encounter were Ajax have not dropped any points since early November 2021. Benfica fans have hope as that is all you can find in the Pandora box of the season the club has had.

Joao Mario set to return to starting XI

Joao Mario is set to return to Benfica's starting XI this weekend as Benfica get set to travel to Bessa to take on Boavista in Week 23 action. The 29 year old midfielder was out of action the past two league games, the first after testing positive for COVID-19 and the second saw youngster Paulo Bernardo play in his place as he sat on the bench for the clubs full 90 minutes. Joao Mario has started 17 out of the clubs 22 league games this season, scoring two goals in league play while also setting up a pair.