Benfica blow game against Inter and hang by a thread to continue in Europe

Benfica opened the game against Inter Milan on fire as Inter's decision to make a massive amount of changes from their weekend game's starting XI haunted them. Benfica would take a 3-0 lead into halftime on a hat trick by Joao Mario, but the second half saw all their hard work completely unravel, and the game ended with a disappointing 3-3 draw.

Benfica scored just five minutes into the game when Joao Mario took a head pass from striker Casper Tengstedt to open the scoring. Benfica would double their lead just eight minutes later, and Joao Mario would complete the hat trick at the 34 minute mark through another Casper Tengstedt helper.

The second half would then see the wheels fall off the wagon as Benfica seemed content to sit and defend, a decision that would prove costly as Inter brought the lead down to two goals with an ever so close on side goal just six minutes into the half. They would score again seven minutes later, and the comeback would be complete on a controversial penalty kick awarded at the 72 minute mark, bringing the game level.

Benfica were lucky to even escape with the point on this night as Inter Milan would smash a shot off the bar in injury time after Benfica went down a man with a straight red card awarded to center back Antonio Silva in the 86th minute for a reckless challenge by the youngster.

Benfica will now have to travel to Salzburg and defeat the Austrian club by three goals if they are to remain in Europe and qualify for the Europa League in two weeks, a feat that seems unlikely given the Lisbon's sides form during this year's Champions League campaign.

Benfica are bleeding from both wing back positions, as the club decided to use a midfielder and center back in those roles against Inter, add on the manager's continued hesitation to use his bench earlier, and this is a Benfica side that has simply looked terrible from the opening 15 minutes of the competition.

Benfica still have a chance to continue in Europe but will need to play their best game of the season in Austria. Sadly we have yet to see that version of the club this season.

Benfica will need to lay it all on the line in Champions League

Benfica are coming off a weekend Taca de Portugal victory over Famalicao, which moved the Lisbon club into the round of 16 in Portugal's premier club competition. The Eagles will now need to channel that momentum into the club's first points in the Champions League as they get set to host Inter Milan tomorrow in their fifth group game.

Benfica currently sits at the bottom of their group, not only having yet to pick up points but having scored just once through the first four games. Benfica have already been eliminated from reaching the round of 16 but can still move into the Europa League with the right amount of points gained in their final two games.

They currently trail third place side Red Bull Salzburg by three points and will face the Austrian club in their final game in Salzburg to close out their Champions League campaign. Benfica will travel without supporters after the club's fans were issued a ban due to behavior in their previous road game at Sociedad. 

Benfica ready for Taca showdown against Famalicao

Benfica are ready to host Famalicao in the 4th round of the Taca de Portugal later today after a break due to international duty for a host of the club's players. The clash between the pair promises to be an exciting encounter with a David vs Goliath appeal.

Benfica last hoisted the prestigious Taca de Portugal during the 2016-17 season and have captured the trophy a record 26 times since the competition took its current form in 1938. Benfica did make back to back finals in 2019-20 and 2020-21 but lost on both occasions to FC Porto and Braga, respectively.