Benfica win at the Dragao over Porto

Benfica went into the Dragao looking to snap a nine game win less run against FC Porto in all competitions and put that streak to rest with a 1-0 victory over ten man Porto with a second half goal from Rafa Silva. Benfica remain unbeaten on the season and more importantly are now six points clear of their second place rivals after ten league games.

Porto came out flying to start the game as they looked to send a message to their rivals but were undone when midfielder Stephen Eustaquio was shown a red card at the 27th minute mark, picking up his second yellow card for a hard late challenge on Benfica right back Alexander Bah. Eustaquio let his emotions get the best of him with the pair of yellows coming just three minute apart and both against Bah.

HIGHLIGHTS

Benfica almost opened the scoring at the 37th minute when Fredrik Aursnes' shot went off the post directly to Rafa Silva, the winger sent his header off the cross bar with a wide open goal. Benfica manager Schmidt then decided to make a triple substitution at the half, with a build up of yellow cards and a fear of seeing his club reduced to ten man.

The second half was a hard fought encounter and it was not until the 72nd mark that a pretty give and go between David Neres and Rafa Silva, saw the later open the scoring for Benfica. The goal was not without its controversy after first being waved off for offside before a VAR review over turned the on field call and gave Benfica the lead.

Benfica almost doubled their lead in injury time but Porto keeper Diogo Costa batted away a cross deflected off his own defender off the goal line. The game ended with Porto manager Sergio Conceicao picking up a red card after he showed his displeasure with the result of the game.

Benfica will now face Juventus on Tuesday needing a point to advance to the round of 16.

 

Benfica ready for O Classico against FC Porto

Benfica head to Porto to face arch rivals FC Porto in what has been dubbed for many years as "O Classico"as both groups of fans will be heard and seen far and wide not only in Portugal but around the world. Benfica will arrive in Porto in top spot after nine league games ahead of their rivals by three points as the two clubs get set to clash with much on the line.

Benfica will arrive in Porto on an eighteen game unbeaten run in all competitions under manager Roger Schmidt and had yet to lose with the German on the sideline. FC Porto come into the game on a nine game unbeaten run against Benfica in all competitions, having not lost to their southern rivals since March of 2019.

The game pits Portugal's top two clubs on a Friday night, thanks to the clubs Champions League commitments. Benfica go into the game looking to make a statement that they are back and Portugal's top club, while FC Porto will be looking to hold onto their current crown and show the Lisbon side that they will not step aside without a fight.

The clubs will step onto the pitch in front of a sold out crowd at the Estadio do Dragao in a game that will bring Portugal to a stand still with all eyes glued to their respective televisions. Will Benfica prevail and continue their fine form or will FC Porto swat them aside and breath new life back into the title race. Lets all find out Friday at 8:30pm WEST.

Ajax look to return back to Benfica for Vlachodimos

Ajax are said to be ready to make a move once again for Benfica starting keeper Vlachodimos according to reports out of the Netherlands, once the transfer window opens again in January after coming oh so close to landing the 28 year old during the summer window. Vlachodimos has a contract with Benfica until the summer of 2024 with a buy out clause of €60M but Benfica could be open to sell for €20M.

Vlachodimos joined Benfica in the summer of 2018 from Panathinaikos for €2.4M and has appeared in 186 games at the club across all competitions. Vlachodimos has kept 74 clean sheets in those appearances. The Greek International has also been a member of the squads that have captured both the Portuguese League title in 2018/19 and the Portuguese Super Cup in 2019.