Sunday, February 27, 2022

Benfica fans and club show their class in Yaremchuk support

Benfica fans gave Ukrainian striker Roman Yaremchuk a standing ovation when he entered today's 3-0 victory over Guimaraes in a rare sporting moment that was more then just about football bringing the 26 year old to tears as he acknowledged the fans support for his homeland who is currently at war with Russia after being attacked just a few days past.

Yaremchuk was also given the captain's arm band by Jan Vertonghen as he entered along with a hug in support of the striker who I am sure is dealing with sleepless nights worrying about loved ones back home. Many Benfica fans attending today's game wore Ukraine's blue and yellow colours along with signs in support of Ukraine in the on going conflict.

Yaremchuk made the news all over the world Wednesday when he removed his jersey after scoring the tying goal for Benfica in their Champions League draw, revealing a black t-shirt with the Ukrainian coat of arms that he was wearing underneath. Although Yaremchuk did receive a yellow card for his actions, he escaped any punishment by UEFA with his political display.

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Benfica head to Amsterdam with hope

Benfica Blog
Benfica with a strong second half performance in their Champions League round of 16 encounter against Ajax yesterday has given their fans something to talk about, some may say even some hope going into their second leg encounter in Amsterdam after the 2-2 draw. Benfica's second half, had the favoured Dutch side on the ropes and they could have even won the game if a break or two had gone their way. This coming after a first half that saw the club for the most part, hanging on for dear life.

The club that emerged from the half came out with a purpose and surprised many fans, myself included with their fine play. Benfica will now need to duplicate that second half as they travel to Amsterdam to face the Dutch club on March 15 if they are to have any chance of advancing to the quarter-final stage and pocketing an additional €10.6M from UEFA for doing so. With the away goal rule abolished this season, Benfica has one less thing to be concerned about heading into the game that looks like a winner take all affair.

 

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Botafogo in talks with Benfica for Gilberto

Benfica Blog
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.