Fernando Santos does Goncalo Ramos disservice

Portugal manager Fernando Santos has led Portugal to another devastating loss in another crucial game once again after Portugal lost at home earlier today to Spain 1-0. This has become a recurring theme for the national side commencing after their 2019 UEFA Nations League title but the biggest head scratcher of the day was the disservice Santos gave to Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos.

Santos decided that it was the right call to not dress the 21 year old Ramos who is currently Portugal's highest goal scorer for club this season in a game that might just require Portugal to score a goal or two. Santos instead went with players that he was more familiar with, showing his loyalty, stubbornness and foolishness all by living on past morals.

I am not saying the Ramos should have started for Portugal today but a substitution into the game in the second half was more then warranted for a player who is currently in better form then any of his teammates. Ramos who has currently scored eight goals this season for Benfica while providing six assists has scored three more goals then the next closest player and is on par for assists with one other on the squad.

This alone should have given Santos the nerve to make sure the youngster was at least an option in a game that ultimately required a goal to move onto the tournaments final four stage but alas the choice made was bringing in Joao Felix who just three days ago was unfit to even dress for their game against the Czech Republic. Santos' has time to right his wrong with Ramos who may just be the nations first choice striker when the World Cup rolls around. We will all be watching.

Benfica's future center back duo back in training

Benfica's Brazilian center backs Lucas Verissimo and Joao Victor have returned to training after both defenders have been out with injuries for an extended period of time. 

Verissimo is making his return after a long lay off that saw the 27 year old out of action since early November 2021 after he suffered a ruptured knee ligament and he is in the last phase of recovery which should see him cleared for game action in about a month. While the 24 year old Victor has recovered from an ankle injury sustained during the summer months, he has yet to appear in any games for Benfica since joining the club from Corinthians in July.

The Brazilian pair look to be the future staple of a Benfica defense for years to come but both will need to earn their spots in the clubs starting eleven with captain Otamendi and youngster Antonio Silva currently holding the fort while providing rock solid defending for the club who are currently on a thirteen game winning streak to start the season.

Benfica learns Taca da Liga opponents

The Portuguese League revealed the groups earlier today for a revamped 2022/23 Taca da Liga edition that will see eight groups competing to hoist the league trophy early in 2023. Benfica's group opponents will be Moreirense, Penafiel and Amadora with the group winner advancing to the quarter-final stage. The group games will all be played in a ten day window and are set to take place during the World Cup.

Benfica's Taca da Liga schedule:

at Amadora on November 19

vs Penafiel on November 24

at Moreirense on November 27