Liga Sagres: Sport Lisboa e Benfica 2-1 Rio Ave Futebol Clube

Sport Lisboa e Benfica is the new Portuguese League Champion. After the victory of last Sunday afternoon against Rio Ave FC Benfica celebrates one more Title of the Club’s long history.

Benfica began the game very strong and achieved the goal soon, on the third minute, by Óscar Cardozo. Few minutes later the Brazilian Wíres made a unnecessary fault over Ramires and saw the red card (11’). The red fans would have probably preferred that the referee Jorge Sousa, did not send the Rio Ave FC player out, this because they were perfectly conscious that our players would win that game, although the difficulties they might face. The red players had few real chances after that episode but the majority of the time had the ball with them selves.

The last 45’ minutes of the season started and Rio Ave fell that they could do history playing in front of 64.103 spectators and they started to approach the eagles area. In reality, they scored by Ricardo Chaves (72’) and left the public present and the millions following by the TV apprehensive. But Cardozo wanted to have a preponderant paper on the “movie” and scored the second goal of the game. With this goal, the 26th of the League, Tacuara achieved the Silver Ball a trophy given by the Portuguese Sports Newspaper “Abola”, being the better scorer of the Liga Sagres and left the fans start the festivities.

The eagle players received the medals and the Liga Sagres trophy on the end of the game. Now that the 32nd Portuguese Championship is won, it is time to celebrate. A club like Benfica with so many followers all over Portugal and also all over the world, needs to win competitions, always respecting the opponents of course, but it’s in our blood, in our veins, the necessity of winning Trophies. The Club, the players and the fans deserve to keep on winning, with fair play and on an honest way, like we all did on the season that is now coming to an end.

Portuguese Newspapers

Sport Lisboa e Benfica
Portuguese Liga Sagres 2oo9/1o Champion !

To say the truth, it’s a pity that this season is already ending, because it was wonderful to see our heroes playing on the pitch, on each weekend and on each game...

The blogger will now go on holidays hopping to be back soon!

Liga Sagres: Futebol Clube do Porto 3-1 Sport Lisboa e Benfica

SL Benfica was defeated last Sunday on Dragão Stadium. The Jorge Jesus team could have celebrated the Champioship on the city of Porto, but the FC Porto players orientated by J. Ferreira didn’t allowed it.

The reds started very well the game and could have scored on two chances. The first from Di Maria when he shoot the bar and the other from Javi Garcia when appeared alone in front of Beto, the FC Porto goalkeeper, missing the chance. FC Porto scored on the best moment, just before the end of the first half, by Bruno Alves (42’).

Jorge Jesus knew that a simple point was enough to celebrate the title had the team fell that and scored, by Luisão (56’) just after Fucile the FC Porto defender saw the red card. Few minutes later the game become decided when E. Farias coming from a doubtful outside position scored, just when J. Ferreira was going to take him out of the game. The reds tried to react but Bellushi (82’) “killed” the game making a fantastic goal, on a shot from the left that gave no chance to Quim.

FC Porto played better and deserved the victory, unfortunately for them SC Braga also won their game and removed the possibility of FC Porto achieve the Champions League on the next season. Olegário Benquerença was the referee of the game and his decisions were not determinant on the final result. During the game Di Maria, Fábio Coentrão and Javí Garcia saw yellow cards that won’t allow them to be present on the last decisive game. Negativ was again the posture of some persons on the public inside and ouside the Dragão Stadium.

Now the Eagles will be able to celebrate the conquer of the Portuguese League, but for that they have to play better on the next home game and although not needing a victory, win the game.

Liga Sagres: Sport Lisboa e Benfica 5-0 Sporting Clube Olhanense

Last Saturday, more than 62000 people assisted to another unquestionable victory from Benfica. The reds received the team from Algarve, SC Olhanense and won the game, a five null victory, was the final result. The game started very well for SLB, making a tremendous pressing over the adversary. The players from SC Olhanense, fighting to avoid the relegation to the other division, revealed some nervousism. The Brazilian player Delson demonstrated precisely that insecurity, and saw two yellow cards on the first ten minutes. Initially touched the ball with his hand on the area and originated a penalty, that was converted by Cardozo (3'). The second yellow card, after committing an unnecessary fault near the midfield. Lucilio Batista the referee of the game couldn't have avoid showing this SC Olhanense player the respective red card. The Algarve become even more fragile when Di Maria (18’) reached the second goal few minutes later.

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The second part started and before the 15th minute SL Benfica had already scored two more goals, both from Óscar Cardozo (54’ and 56’). Taquara that is trying to be the player with more goals scored on the Portuguese League this year. For now he is on top but Falcao the FCP player is just behind him. Jorge Costa substituted Djalmir and Ukra for Toy and Yazalde but they also could not avoid one more goal from the eagles, this time scored by Pablo Aimar (79’).

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Two games to the Portuguese League terminates and the Champion is not yet reached. Benfica has a tuff challenge next weekend when the Jorge Jesus players play in Dragão against FC Porto. Only one point is needed to achieve the victory in the Championship, but also the Porto players need points to dream with the access to the Champions League. The second place is occupied by the fantastic team of SC Braga that also tries to win the League. The games on the next weekend will all be at the same time on Sunday evening, let’s just ask for Fair Play and emotive games.

Futsal European Champions:

UEFA Futsal Cup » SL Benfica 3-2 Interviú Madrid

This weekend was also important for our Club on other sport, Futsal. In fact, SL Benfica conquered the UEFA Futsal cup, on a final against the Spanish team of Interviú Madrid. The final result was obtains on extra time and the crowd loved it. Playing at home, Pavilhão Atlântico in Lisbon, the public made the difference. 9400 persons assisted to the game enthusiastically and vibrated with the victory. The heroes of were Pedro Costa, Ricardinho, Queiroz, Arnaldo, Davi, Zé maria, Gonçalo Alves, César Paulo, Marinho, Rúben Simões and the goalkeepers Bebé and Zé Carlos, trained by the veteran André Lima.

Liga Sagres: Associação Académica de Coimbra 2–3 Sport Lisboa e Benfica

Last Weekend the reds visited the city of the students, Coimbra to play against the local team. AC Coimbra received SL Benfica on Sunday, 18h and playing at home tried everything to win points.

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The first half started with the goal of Benfica, before the 3rd minute of the game. A goal obtained through a header of Weldon on the adversary area. Benfica controlled well the ball but some difficulties appeared, mainly because of the good organization of the team commanded by André Villas Boas. Académica reached the equalize by Diogo Gomes 29’ after receiving the ball had a powerful shot into the nets of our goalkeeper. Quim hardly could have avoid the goal, the ball came with effect and also because it slightly touched the centerback Sidney. Sidney that took the place of Luisão on the game. David Luiz was the captain of the team and helped the team to go looking for the second goal. Before the end of this part Weldon 41’ scored again, this time with his right foot after a brilliant cross from Angel Di Maria. The Argentine once again was in good plan and served the way he knows the reds attackers, Di Maria his one of the best players on the team serving his companions.

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On the second half, André Villas Boas wanted to gain strength on the centre of the pitch made some changes. Jorge Jesus rapidly understood the new positions of the students and told Carlos Martins 56’ to enter to substitute O. Cardozo. The team became better on the midfield and, the number twenty of SLB, Di Maria almost reached the goal, but Rui Nereu the AC Coimbra goalkeeper defended well. The student players, Pedrinho, Sougou and Vouho they tried to reach the game equalize but the red defenders were better. On the 64th minute there was a chance for Carlos Martins score, after a tremendous shot, but the ball stopped on the Académica’s post. Alan Kardec entered to the place of Weldon. Jorge Jesus knowing that the result was not comfortable collocated into the pitch the Brazilian Ramires on the Aimar’s place. On the following minute, Di Maria on the left, crossed for the goal of Rúben Amorim 80’. When William Tiero scored 87’ for Académica few believed the 3 points could escape to the eagles.

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A deserved victory from SL Benfica on a very tactical game, Jorge Jesus demonstrated why his experience makes our team play a beautiful football, and the most important, that is, helping the Club to occupying the Portuguese League Top position.

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There are only 3 games to dispute and some fans feeling that the Portuguese League title is near made the following video. It was recorded in the Lisbon centre Marquês de Pombal, a special place used habitually to celebrate the red victories on the championship.

RESERVED

Liga Sagres: Sport Lisboa e Benfica 2 - 0 Sporting Clube de Portugal

Benfica returned to internal competition with a marvellous result, two null over the Lisbon rival Sporting CP. Previously to this game the disappointment of Liverpool.

Last Thursday Benfica went to Liverpool to face the local team of Liverpool FC and came with a 4-1 defeat. Rafael Benitez was intelligent and contained his players strengths. The first twenty minutes everyone expected a tuff Liverpool but it didn't appear. Benfica was well during that period but the fatigued started growing after the first half.

Jorge Jesus made some changes on the principal team and Sidney surged as backcenter. The team may have gain on having players taller, but in fact lost velocity and this factor may have been determinant on the defeat. The rapid counterattacks of the UK team and some mistakes of our goalkeeper Julio Cesar were also important. The Liverpool players like, Lucas (34'), Kuyt (28'), Gerrard and especially Fernando Torres (59' and 82') made a great exhibition and took all the hope to Jorge Jesus team. Players like David Luiz, Luisão and Cardozo (70') tried to reach the goals needed to go into the next Europa League round, but their work was not enough. Although the numbers may represent a big difference, in fact, the eliminatory was not so unequal and Benfica could also have passed. The truth is that Liverpool FC has a great team and in fact deserved the victory.

Yesterday, Benfica received the Sporting CP team for the Portuguese League Sagres and won the game. The victory was obtained on the second half, after a first part where Sporting CP played better. Pedro Mendes, Miguel Veloso and Moutinho were some of the better "lion" players on Luz. On a game with few opportunities of goal for both sides, Cardozo, on the 68th minute, had the fortune to score just before his substitution. Few minutes earlier on a ball disputed with the Sporting defenders he became injured and asked to go out. Jorge Jesus left Aimar on the bench and when he entered Benfica gained the midfield. Aimar (78') attitude was determinant for the team achieve the final result of 2-0, after a brilliant pass of the Brazilian Ramires. Also players like Rúben Amorim, Fábio Coentrão, Carlos Martins and Luisão played very well, specially David Luiz who once again demonstrated the mentality of a winner.

The Europa League dream vanished but the conscience of a work well done is present and that's what really counts. When the work is done on a proper way the victories and the titles will appear sooner or later.

Europa League: Liverpool Football Club vs Sport Lisboa e Benfica

Tonight SL Benfica visits one of the more emblematic Stadium of the football world, Anfield. The stadium belongs to the English team of Liverpool FC. Later more than a football game we hope, we will be able to see a brilliant show, with lots of stars on both sides.

Liverpool FC was formed on the 15th of March 1892. It was at John Houlding's house in Anfield Road that he and his closest friends left from Everton FC, formed a new club. William.E.Barclay, a great football enthusiast, strongly suggested that they should go on with a new name: Liverpool. This historical Club has won along the times, 18 league titles, 7 FA Cups, 7 League Cups, 3 UEFA Cups and 5 European Cups.

Stadium: Anfield (45 000 Spectators)
Local Time: 21:05
Referee: Kuipers (NED)

Rafael Benitez to the Press
We are much stronger than we were few years ago, when Ronald Koeman and his Benfica won here in Anfield. Our team is better and the players feel that here is the oportunity of winning a trophie this season.

Jorge Jesus to the Press
We will make an excelent game tomorrow (today) like we did in Marseilles. Liverpool will initially be very strong but we are aware of that. Our players needed at least more 24 hours to be in better conditions but we intended that the Portuguese League is our main objective. However let’s now focus only on the Europa League game.
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Anfield is mystical for Liverpool FC, the place that already belonged to the “Toffees”, tonight can again be a stage of success for our players, like it was four years ago. Let's all walk with SL Benfica at the end of the game, from Anfield Road till the John Lennon Airport and finally to Portugal, with a smile.

Liga Sagres: Associação Naval 1º de Maio 2-4 Sport Lisboa e Benfica

Yesterday, SLB went to Figueira do Foz to play against the local team, A. Naval 1º de Maio. The red fans "invaded" the place and the locals appreciated.

A full stadium assisted to a game between a middle table team (10º), A. Naval 1º de Maio and the 1st, SL Benfica. Things started well for the home team and they scored two early goals, by Fábio Junior 2' and by Bolívia 12' . Jorge Jesus jumped near the bench and his energy probably made the defence errors disappear. On the line-up Jorge Jesus had collocated Weldon and his choice could not have been better. This red striker, achieved the equalize scoring two important goals. Inácio had his team well positioned on the pitch, but against the theory a pass from David Luiz that allowed Di Maria to score the third goal of the game.

Weldon was also important on the second half when he insisted on recovering a ball that everyone, but him, thought it was lost and made the fourth goal of the team happen. The referee Elmano Santos and his team did a good job. To register also, the good performances of the goalkeepers, of both teams, Peiser and Quim.Rúben Amorim, Maxi Pereira, Javi Garcia and Carlos Martins made a good game and this last Portuguese player almost scored on a shot to the goalie bar. On Associação Naval, some players wanted more and tried everything for a positive result, like for instance Diego Ângelo, Gomis and Godemeche.

Weldon Santos de Andrade (06/08/1980)

Weldon was born in Brazil in August 1980, in the region of São Paulo, more precisely in Santo André. He soon started playing football and his aptence for the modality made him represent the youth teams of America Futebol Clube. Santos Futebol Clube gave him the oportunity of playing more than ten games on the senior team between 2ooo-02. Later Brasiliense Futebol Clube and Sport Clube Recife had him on their teams before his transference to Associação Atlética Ponte Preta.
The dream of winning abroad appeared and he went to Al-Nasr Sports Club in Asia. One season he stayed 2oo4-05 on the Emirates before returning to Brazil, this time to represent the blue colors of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube. On 15 games this striker scored 3 goals, that was considered few for the objectives of the Club and he was loaned to Clubs like Sochaux, Troyes, Sport Recife and also to the Portuguese team of Clube Futebol «Os Belenenses». Here in Lisbon he played in almost thirty games, scoring twelve goals. Jorge Jesus was the Portuguese coach by then and enjoyed the work of Weldon. Before he sign for Benfica he returned to the Brazilian Club Sport Recife. Weldon is becoming a better attacker, but it is not easy for him to play on the reds team when there are other options more qualified. He likes to play for the team and when the chance occurs he scores. A player that can be very usefull to any team. His strong mentality allows his good capacity of adaptation to new companions. Weldon has for sure still much titles to win.

A deserved victory for the reds that are now closer of the main objective.

Europa League: Sport Lisboa e Benfica vs Liverpool Football Club

A full Luz stadium is prepared to receive one of the most important games of the UEFA Europa League night. Liverpool Football Club visits Lisbon and will face one of the best Benfica’s team of the last years. Reds against reds. If this game between this teams, who normal use red colors, occurred on the Hamburg final, no one could would be surprised, because we are talking about two European historical clubs.

SL Benfica receives the Liverpool FC with the physical and physiological indices on top. In fact, occupying the first place of the Portuguese League and being the victorious team on the recent Carlsberg Cup Final helps in a very positive way the moral of the eagle’s players. Jorge Jesus wants the players concentrated and to be focused on the teamwork. Players like Aimar, Saviola, Cardozo, Martins and David Luiz can make the difference. Others like Ramires, Maxi Pereira, Javi Garcia and Luisão turn the group more solid. Every player want to be on that pitch later, but only eleven can be the ones to enter. Jorge Jesus knows that and also that this will be probably decided in Liverpool.

Liverpool FC only arrived to Lisbon yesterday night and they decided not to experiment the Luz “green”. Rafael Benitez worked already with some of the eagle’s players that will face tonight and probably feels that their capacity may decide the eliminatory. Liverpool comes to face Benfica with brilliant players like for instance, Reina, Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, but conscientious that their exhibitions during the current season hasn’t been as good as they wanted to.

A great game is expected, between two teams that, for sure enjoy scoring goals. What better can a spectator want than goals? Off course we hope that those goaaaaals may be scored for our boys. Both teams will never walk alone.

Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Swe)

Liga Sagres: Sport Lisboa e Benfica 1-0 Sporting Clube de Braga

SL Benfica gave a enormous step to achieve the season title. Last Saturday night a full Luz Stadium saw the red athletes winning the game against the second place, SC Braga. The tickets had vanished two weeks before and the two better teams playing football in Portugal on the present season were facing each other.

The reds coach, Jorge Jesus, decided that the eleven players starting the game would be: Quim, the goalkeeper, Maxi Pereira, Luisão, David Luiz and Fábio Coentrão on the defensive, helped also by Javi García. On the midfield Ramires, Carlos Martins and Di Maria, while on the attack Cardozo and Saviola tried to reach the goal. In fact the goal was obtained on this first half, more concretely just before it ends, and by the centerback Luisão after a corner kick on the right. D. Paciência, SC Braga’s coach, tried to changes things on the second half, and his players started to appear near the reds area. And some danger occurred mainly by Mossoró, Paulo César and Alan, and many times on the free kicks of Hugo Viana or Luís Aguiar, this last one had entered the game meanwhile. J. Jesus knowing that the most important was to obtain the three points made Rúben Amorim, Pablo Aimar and Kardec substitute C. Martins, Ramitres and Saviola. Pedro Proença, the referee of the game, was very well during the game, although a penalty could had been marked, against SC Braga, when the ball touched Rodriguez’s hand. But, in our opinion Proença decided well and Rodriguez, one of the best centerbacks playing in our championship didn’t deserve that. SC Braga has this year and similar to the previous seasons great players on the team, and two examples of that are Luís Filipe and César Peixoto, the reds defenders who did not had the chance to play on this game.

Luís Filipe Ângelo Rodrigues Fernandes (1979/06/14)

Luís Filipe started playing football in 1996, on the youth teams of Associação Académica de Coimbra and later, in 1999, he went to Spain where he represented the B Team of Club Atlético de Madrid. This experience made him move to SC Braga to play for two years. His experience was good and the games made also brought good results to him and Sporting CP decided to sign him in 2oo1 a contract. This right winger played many times as defender, the results were not so good and the Sporting CP administrators decided to loan L. Filipe to União Desportiva de Leiria. Stability was not a point on his favour and he jumped to the island of Madeira to play for the Club Sport Marítimo. Thirty games later he returned to SC Braga where he participated on more than fifty games. This positive regularity opened the Luz doors and he came to Benfica in 2oo7. He stayed the first season, but on the second (2oo8-o9) he went, for loan, to Vitória SC where he played till he came back. This thirty years old player, hasn’t many chances on this actual Benfica, but Luis Filipe can for sure do much better when he gets his opportunity.

Paulo César Silva Peixoto (1980/05/12)

César Peixoto was born in the same place where Portugal was founded, the beautiful city of Guimarães. He represented a region club when he initiated his career. This northern club was Clube Caçadores das Taipas. Two seasons later in 2oo1 he came to Lisbon to play for Clube de Futebol «Os Belenenses» where he stayed for a year. His performance was so good that José Mourinho moving to FC Porto asked to his pass to be acquired. In the city of Porto and representing the local Club he stayed since 2oo2 till 2oo6. In between, he was loaned to Vitória SC and in last year to RCD Espanyol de Barcelona. Great games he had on one hand but on other some annoying injuries that frustrated his plans. César Peixoto returned to Portugal to play for SC Braga for two seasons and then was bought be SL Benfica. César Peixoto played many times on the left wing of the teams he represented but the necessities of the Clubs made him occupy the left back. His good performances made him got the place. The majority of the titles won by César where in FC Porto, like for instance Uefa Cup and Champions League, but he will for sure win some more while representing the Eagles.

Benfica is now 6 points away from SC Braga and the League is not yet won, but this victory represents a great deal. On the other hand SC Braga needs to look down because the second place and the Champions League access can be loss, this because FC Porto is only 5 points distance. Let’s now buy one of the few tickets available for receiving Liverpool FC for the Uefa Europa League next Thursday.

Glory days: Carlsberg Cup Victory and Europa League Quarter-Finals

Portuguese Sports Newspapers

Yesterdays Frontpage

(ABola,OJogo,Record)

Carlsberg Cup Final: Sport Lisboa e Benfica 3-0 Futebol Clube Porto

SL Benfica brings another Carlsberg Liga Cup home. After the previous victory on this competition Benfica went to Algarve Stadium last Sunday to defeat the actual Portuguese Champion FC Porto.

The afternoon started not so well with disturbs caused by hooligans. The police should be more prepared to deal with this kind of situations and the laws should punish the prevaricators. A football game must be a pleasant time for everyone who pay for the tickets, that are not always cheap and easy to buy. The ones who really search for troubles should stay at home or be present to a police station, this independently of the colours they defend.

The game started with both teams well distributed on the pitch and Quim had some troubles to solve. The reds goalkeeper had at least two great defences before the reds goals. Benfica's goal appeared when Rúben Amorin shot the FC Porto's nets and Nuno E. Santo let the ball with a mistake, pass into the nets. Benfica that entered the game with some changes, like for instance the entrance of Alan Kardec, Airton and Carlos Martins. This last player Carlos Martins was preponderant on the game, when he made a fantastic goal on a free kick marked on a distance superior to 30 meters.

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When the second half started everyone thought Jesualdo Ferreira would do something important on FC Porto team, but the red players were more than motivated and did not let them. A tremendous game from Luisão and David Luiz dominated Falcão and Cristian Rodriguez. To register on this second half only two things. The first one his the Bruno Alves FC Porto bad attitude, that needs to be more grown up, like for instance Alan Kardec, Pablo Aimar and Óscar Cardozo were dealing with him. The second point was the great performance of Rúben Amorim that gave the third red goal to Cardozo, just before the end of the game. A deserved victory from the best team on the Algarve Stadium.

Before the Liga Cup Victory Benfica went to France were few Believed a victory could be reached.

Europa League: Olympique de Marseille 1-2 Sport Lisboa e Benfica

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Memorable game for the reds. Olympique de Marseille received Benfica knowing that they were in advantage and made a game of contention and that was their mistake.

Benfica entered the Velodrome Stadium with the wish of scoring goals. The opportunities appeared but the lack of luck made all the chances being missed. On the other hand Olympique de Marseille had a chance and scored. Brandão passed Júlio César and gave Niang (70') the chance to score and he did not missed it. Fortunately for us Maxi Pereira (75') was once again decisive against the French and scored a goal on a long distance kick. Benfica dominated the game and Didier Deschamps had no solutions for the offensive football from the reds.

Ramires and Di Maria were also in good plan on this game on the other hand the referee team (Skomina - Svn) forgot to sanctioned two faults on the French penalty area for Benfica's. Both committed by the same Marselha's player Taye Taiwo. When everyone expected for the final whistle Alan Kardec (90') appeared alone in the area, on a free kick, and scored the winning goal. It's fair to say, that this goal and the eliminatory were more than justified and deserved for the eagles.

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Alan Kardec de Souza Pereira Junior (1989/01/12)

Kardec was born in Barra Mansa near Rio de Janeiro. This young striker made his formation on the Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama "school". There he also played in the youth teams from 2ooo till 2oo7. After it, he was called for the main team and there he stayed during the next two years, playing on more than fifty games. On the Valentines day of 2oo7 he played for the first time on the senior team of Vasco da Gama, on a victory against Nacional Fast Clube (2-1), on a game counting for the Brazilien Cup. Before he sign with the Lisbon team, SL Benfica, he was loaned to the Sport Club Internacional. To register also his participations on the Brazil Youth National Teams.

Alan Kardec his a tall striker who likes to discover spaces on the opponent areas. Kardek shots easily and scores even more if the adversaries give him to much space. He his smart and likes to play for the companions, has team spirit, thinking first on the collective and for last on himself. If he keeps that mentallity and interiorize what the coach needs from him, we will for sure gain respect and his place on the "tuff" European Football.

UEFA Europa League draw

Quarter-finals: 1 & 8 April

1: Fulham FC (ENG) v VfL Wolfsburg (GER)

2: Hamburger SV (GER) v R. Standard de Liège (BEL)

3: Valencia CF (ESP) v Club Atlético de Madrid (ESP)

4: SL Benfica (POR) v Liverpool FC (ENG)

Semi-finals: 22 & 29 April

1: Winner quarter-final 2 v Winner quarter-final 1

2: Winner quarter-final 3 v Winner quarter-final 4

Final: 12 May

Hamburg Arena

On the following day (Friday 19 Mar) the UEFA's draw decided that the next Benfica's opponent will be the great team of Liverpool Football Club. One thing is certain the team that goes into the next round to face the winner of the confront between Valencia Club de Futbol and Club Atlético de Madrid, will "Never Walk Alone".

Europa League: Olympique de Marseille vs Sport Lisboa e Benfica

This will be the day of decisions in the UEFA Euroa League. After a one goal draw in luz a great game expects Marseilles this afternoon.

A late goal from Ben Arfa gave Marseille the chance to receive the eagles in advantage. We all are aware that away goals are fundamental, so the expectations are at high level to see the stars in the Velodrome pitch later.

Olympique de Marseille is one of the most important French clubs of all times. This historical Club has been Champion of France already ten times, conquered the same number of France Cups. In Europe O. Marseilles was European Champion in 1993.

The Club of Olympique de Marseille was founded in 1899 in the city with the same name located in the famous region of the south of France. The Mediterrean animates the city and gives colour to it. The locals are not very friendly of foreigners but times are changing. In 1924 the first conquer was obtained, the French Cup. This great team achieved the first Championship victory in 1929. After 1986 great success moments took place and victories were obatined with the help of Bernard Tapie. To remember will be the players who played by then, Papin, Waddle, Francescolli, Stojkovic and so many others.


To the Press:

Didier Deschamps

We need to be well organized like we were in Luz. If we defend well for sure it will appear opportunities to our team score. We know that we can’t leave the Benfica players with the ball, because they do have good quality. I think this two teams will make the game like if it was of the Champions league, so we need the public to come to Velodrome to support our team.

Jorge Jesus

Our first objectiv is to win the Portuguese League. But this is another competition and we want to go on through the next round. We know that Marseille scored a goal in Lisbon but we are think we also can score in Velodrome. All my players are well, so let’s try to do even better in Europa League that the team did last year.


Vélodrome Stadium 19.00 (local time) » 60 000 Spectators
Referee: Skomina (Svn)

Olympique de Marseille

Goalkeepers: Mandanda and Andrade;
Defenders: Bonnart, Diawara, Hilton, and Taiwo;
Midfielders: Cissé, Mbia, Be.Cheyrou, Lucho Gonzalez, Abriel, Kaboré, Ben Arfa and Valbuena;
Forwards: Koné, Niang, Morientes and Brandão
Coach: Didier Deschamps.

Sport Lisboa e Benfica

Goalkeepers: Júlio César, Quim and Moreira;
Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Luisão, David Luiz, Miguel Vítor and Sidnei;
Midfielders: Airton, Ramires, Ruben Amorim, Javi Garcia, Carlos Martins, Pablo Aimar, Felipe Menezes, Di María, Fábio Coentrão and Éder Luís;
Forwards: Saviola, Cardozo, Nuno Gomes, Kardec and Weldon;
Coach: Jorge Jesus.

Benfica independently of winning or loosing the competitions where still is envolved, the Portuguese League, the Europa League and the Liga Cup, is doing one of the best seasons of the last years and most important of that this team enjoys the game. Somepeople say that the Target Bonus implemented in Luz seem to be the secret of this season success. I personnally agree that money makes people wok better not only in soccer but in other activities. Nevertheless, if there is a main reason for this season perfomance, that reason is Jorge Jesus and his dedication to the football team.

Liga Sagres: Clube Desportivo Nacional 0-1 Sport Lisboa e Benfica

Madeira Island is recovering from the recent and terrible catastrophe occurred, with tremendous material and person losses registered. While life is coming back to normal with its ups and downs, Benfica visited one of the local teams, Nacional. The Madeira team is again well oriented by Manuel Machado, who unfortunately, for health reasons, needed to be away from the pitches for some time.

Both teams entered determination on the game and the goal could have occurred for both sides. Nacional although the recent loss of one of the most influent players on the team, Rúben Micael, who has been sold to FC Porto, continues with a football of high quality level. In their stadium they are even stronger and from the teams who visited them, few took from there the 3 points.

In evidence on the CD Nacional team were the goalkeeper Bracalli, Patacas and Halliche. Also in good plan were Leandro Salino and Thiago Gentil. Saviola and Cardozo tried to reach the goal on the first half without success. On the second part of the game Coentrão missed a chance and Cardozo a Penalty kick. But two minutes later Ruben Amorim gave another possibility to Cardozo score after a tremendous run on the right and a perfect cross to Tacuara score. Who also helped the conquer of the three points was Ramires and Quim, our goalkeeper.

This important victory occurred precisely with few time to rest from the previous game that, had been in Luz on the Thursday before, against the Olympique de Marseille team for the Europa League competition.

The stadium was not full but with many people who wanted to see two great teams. Benfica entered more dinamic and had some chances to score being to register on this first half some missed chances from Pablo Aimar, Saviola, Di Maria, Cardozo and of Brandão and of the Argentine Lucho for Marseille. Deschamps knew that a goal from the French could be important and, after the pause his players were better positionated on the pitch and exerced more pressure over the red players. Fortunately Júlio César, the “eagles” keeper, was in very good plan on two or three shots. Benfica reorganized, Ramires and Maxi Pereira become in evidence and caused terrible headheaches to the French. On the minute 75 SLB reaches the deserved goal by Maxi Pereira after a good pass from Di Maria. Ramires ten minutes later could have scored thw second but the ball did not enter. When everyone looked at their watches Ben Arfa scored for the O. Marseille.

Benfica will try everything now in France, knowing that a goal is needed. Although Niang (Marseille captain) and his companions think they are closer of the next phase, Benfica still have a word to say. On La Ligue things don’t seem to go as Deschamps wanted and in Vélodrome some nervousism may appear. Who are more confident after this weekend victory are the Benfica fans who already bought all the tickets for the game against SC Braga on the 27th March. This game might be the game of the season and the fans know it. For now let’s do our best in the Europa League.

Europa League: Sport Lisboa e Benfica vs Olympique de Marseille

Tonight SL Benfica receives the team of Olympique de Marseille. The French team returns to Portugal to play against the reds twenty years after a polemic game.

The team of O. Marseille comes to Luz, to dispute the first hand of the UEFA Europa League 1/8, after eliminating the Danish team of F.C. Copenhagen and after making a good work in the Champions League, although they didn’t go on through that competition. The team orientated by Didier Deschamps wants to make a different result from the one obtained twenty years ago in Lisbon. There was a full stadium to receive the semi-final of the European Champions Cup in 1990. Marseille had a good team but the eyes of the European were in the red players like for instance Silvino, Veloso, Aldaír, V. Paneira, Valdo and the Swedish player Matts Magnusson. But in that night one Angolan footballer would become the hero, his name Vata. He had entered the game to substitute Jonas Thern and near the end of the game, when there was less than 10’ to end it, Vata sent the ball with a touch of his hand into the French nets, the referee did not see the Vata’s fault and considered the goal valid. The public was so euphoric that was created the perfect ambient in Luz to Benfica go on into the final. The results against O. Marseille were 1-0 and 1-2. That final would be later lost in Vien against the AC Milan of Frank Rijkaard, Gullit and Van Basten.

SL Benfica players are focused on winning the Portuguese League but everyone wants to play this games and most important honouring the Club. Olympique de Marseille comes to Lisbon with very good players like Brandão, Ben Arfa, Niang, Lucho Gonzalez, and Valbuena. Both teams must be concentrated and conscientious that a goal can make the difference. To the Press:


To the Press:

Jorge Jesus
The Portuguese coach said that he wanted a victory. Responding also to a reporter said that a perfect result would be victory of 5-0. In fact, J. Jesus recognised that the French are a very dangerous team and the prove of that is the good performance they had in the Champions League, where they faced teams like Real Madrid and AC Milan.

Didier Deschamps
The French coach considered that Benfica is playing very well and that playing at home are a team that scores easily but that Marseille wants to get a good result.


Referee: Félix Brych (Germany)

Sport Lisboa e Benfica
Goalkeepers: Júlio César and Moreira;
Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Miguel Vítor, Luisão; David Luiz and César Peixoto;
Midfielders: Airton, Javi Garcia, Ramires, Ruben Amorim, Carlos Martins, Fábio Coentrão, Pablo Aimar and Di María;
Forwards: Saviola, Óscar Cardozo, Nuno Gomes, Éder Luís and Alan Kardec;
Coach: Jorge Jesus.

Olympique de Marseille
Goalkeepers: Mandanda and Andrade; Defenders: Bonnart, Diawara, Hilton, Mbow and Taiwo; Midfielders: Cissé, Mbia, Be.Cheyrou, Lucho Gonzalez, Abriel, Kaboré, Ben Arfa, Valbuena and N´Doumbou;
Forwards: Koné, Niang, Morientes and Brandão;
Coach: Didier Deschamps.

Liga Sagres: Sport Lisboa e Benfica 3-1 Paços de Ferreira Futebol Clube

Last Sunday, Benfica received the northern team of Paços de Ferreira that were coming from seven games without defeats, and obtained 3 more important points.

When the reds entered the Luz pitch knew that the direct rivals had already lost points on their games. The teams of SC Braga and FC Porto had only obtained one point each, this because they both had draws on the games they disputed, against Vitória SC away and Olhanense at home, respectively. The public, near 43000 spectators, felling that our team, the reds, could gain an important, three point distances from the second classified on the Liga Sagres, and eleven from the third, went to Luz Stadium helping the team to win this tuff game.

SL Benfica entered the game with a strong wish of winning the game and scored two early goals. The first goal was obtained, on the twelve minute, by Rúben Amorim. A precious insistence of Cardozo that after a brilliant cross from Di Maria, passed the ball to Amorim. The second goal was scored by “El Conejo”, Saviola. Benfica tried to reach the third goals and almost got it, but the chances were missed. Paços with a good team in Luz had fewer chances but also scored. On the 43’ William reduced scoring the Paços de Ferreira goal.

Julio Coelho the Paços de Ferreira goalkeeper was in evidence on the second half making some notable defences. Also in evidence on Paços team were Candeias and Maykon, fortunately for us Quim, the eagles keeper was in good plan. Quim was helped also by 70’ positive minutes of Airton who played in the place of J. Garcia, in front of Luizão, David Luiz, Maxi Pereira and Fábio Coentrão. Ulisses Morais players tried everything to change things but, Cardozo (58’) scored the third goal of the team and made the fans sing on Luz. Some minutes to show their value had Filipe Menezes, Sidnei and César Peixoto who entered the game on the last twenty minutes.

Airton Ribeiro Santos (1990-02-21)

Airton was born and raised in Nova Iguaçu near one o the most important cities in Brazil and in the world, Rio de Janeiro. When he was thirteen he started playing football at Nova Iguaçu Futebol Clube. He kept playing in youth teams of Mesquita Futebol Clube and later by indication of Adílio (youth coach) in Clube de Regatas do Flamengo when this last club signed him partially.

Airton, on a game (9-7-2oo8) of CR Flamengo against Atlético Mineiro made his first appearance on the Brazilian championship, when the coach Joel Santana called him from the bench.

He became Brazilian Champion with his mates on the Clube de Regatas do Flamengo team, before Benfica opened him the “doors” of Europe, signing with him a five years contract in the last winter market.

This young player may have a brilliant future ahead of him. He his strong physically and tall, but that characteristics don’t turn him slower and that’s important to help the team defending. He wins many balls turning the defence much more solid. He now needs time to meet better his companions and work well on the opportunities given to him by the actual Benfica’s coach Jorge Jesus, to progress rapidly but with his feet firmly on the ground, on this new European experience.

On this “gamesweek”, Benfica reached an important position on the top of the Portuguese League. Let’s believe on Jorge Jesus arguments and on the player’s abilities to win this Championship.

LIGA SAGRES: Leixões Sport Clube 0–4 Sport Lisboa e Benfica

Last Saturday night SL Benfica went to the northern, on the 21st "gameweek", to visit the team of the city of Matosinhos, Leixões SC. After the brilliant victory against Hertha Berlin SC, on a day where also Eusébio received the UEFA President’s Award from the hands of M. Platini, the reds returned to the League games with a victory for the same result, 4-0.

For the UEFA Europa League the reds received on Thursday afternoon the German team of Hertha Berlin SC and the final result was a great victory. Four goals for Benfica and zero for the Berliner team. Benfica dominated the majority of the game and made a tremendous exhibition. The Hertha Berlin players tried to avoid the Portuguese team goal with their maxim force and expected always to score a goal. Honestly, although the good performance of Drobný, the goalkeeper and from Cícero and Nicu, there was few they could do against this Benfica. Three goals of the game were scored by the Argentine Pablo Aimar (25’) and the other by Cardozo (48’ and 62’). The other goal of the game was obtained by Javi García who once again was very well. Javi that, after the game, told the Portuguese TV cameras that the team had played good football and defended very well, and considered also, that Benfica has good conditions to make good exhibitions in the UEFA Europa League.

On Saturday, when the Eagles entered the pitch of the Estádio do Mar everyone expected that SL Benfica players would be in "trouble". The weather was terrible, a cold night and lots of rain and of course, the home team, Leixões SC normally don't give many chances to the visitors. Nevertheless, a perfect football team entered that game and demonstrated a strong mentality. Benfica dominated the game and reached the first goal near the thirty minutes, when Éder Luís kicked the ball into the opponent nets. Éder Luís and Airton that started the game being part of the first team and responded correctly to what Jorge Jesus wanted from them. A great game also from Maxi Pereira, Ramires and Luisão always very secure. It is expected that Cardozo and Saviola score the team goals, but when on the game appears a players, in this case, like Àngel Di Maria the task is harder. Di Maria made an Hat trick with 3 goals scored. Well to say the truth he scored one more, when the result was still a draw, but it was invalidated for outside, a misjudge decision of the referee team. Also players like Quim, David Luiz, Fábio Coentrão had a great attitude and were later in the game helped by Carlos Martins, César Peixoto and Rúben Amorim that "jumped" from the reds bench.

Three very important points obtained on a difficult Stadium, the experts say that teams win Championships in this games. Well, Benfica isn't Champion yet but is for sure in the good way. Of course SC Braga is just on one point difference and the team needs to be extremely careful.
Also with this victory on the international competitions Benfica aims the next round and will face the French team of Didier Deschamps, Olympique de Marselha a good present to all Benfica lovers on the same week of the 106 anniversary of our glorious club Sport Lisboa and Benfica.

Europa League: Sport Lisboa e Benfica vs Hertha Berliner Sport Club

SL Benfica has a big chance today, to go on through, into the next Europa League phase, after the draw obtained in Berlin. Benfica returned from Germany with the same result Quique Flores players had obtained on October 2oo8, a one goal equalize. That last season game was for the Uefa Cup competition that was precisely transformed in the Europa League. One other difference is that the game disputed earlier was for the group stage, and the one occurred last Thursday was the first of a two games eliminatory.

Europa League: Hertha Berliner Sport Club von 1892 1-1 Sport Lisboa e Benfica

The reds visited Hertha BSC Berlin knowing that the German team was facing a delicate moment of the season. The last place occupied for the Berlin team in the Bundesliga confirms that, only twelve points obtained in 22 games disputed. When Angel Di Maria scored the first goal of the match when only three minutes had passed from the beginning of the game, responding well to the precious cross from Carlos Martins, many Benfica fans on the Stadium and around the world listening to the radio or watching TV believed that finally a victory would be obtained in Germany. Nevertheless, the eagles players become with some apathy and conceded a goal, an own goal from Javí Garcia, when probably not even the German players believed it. Probably because of the low temperatures the second part brought nothing relevant. Sometimes the result is more important that the exhibition...

Ángel Fabián Di María (1988/02/14)
The Argentine left winger was born in the neighbourhood of La Pedriel that belongs to the beautiful city of Rosario, in the province of Santa Fe. Angelito started playing professional football in Club Atlético Rosario Central (2oo5). There he stayed for two years and his great evolution made him sign for the reds.
Di Maria is a very fast player, who makes tremendous damage on the opponent defensives with his dribbles. He likes to be with the ball and to take it into the adversary space. Di Maria shoots easily and well but generally he contributes more to his team with his dangerous crosses into the area. Di Maria has still a lot to learn and of course to "grew up" physically and mentally but we believe that he will soon give much more to the world of football.

Stadium Luz : Sport Lisboa e Benfica vs Hertha SC Berlin
Referee: Pieter Vink

To the Press
Jorge Jesus
"Our main objective is to win the Portuguese League." "We may be tired but of winning games." "We are in advantage in this eliminatory but we will try to score and win the game."
Friedhelm Funkel
"We know that our task is very difficult, however we believe that we can score and go into the next phase, a two goals draw will be enough."

Sport Lisboa e Benfica
Goalkeepers: Júlio César and Quim;
Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Sidnei, Luisão, David Luiz and César Peixoto;
Midfielders: Javi Garcia, Carlos Martins, Rúben Amorim, Di María, Pablo Aimar, Fábio Coentrão and F. Menezes;
Forwards: Saviola, Óscar Cardozo, Éder Luís, Alan Kardec and Nuno Gomes;
Coach: Jorge Jesus.


Well now the only chance to go on through is to win this important game at home, with our help on the stadium, or at least obtain a equalize without goals. The chance of going to the next round would be a generous offer to the "King" Eusébio. Eusébio da Silva Ferreira also known as "The Black Panther" will receive, before the game start, from the UEFA President, Michel Platini, the UEFA President’s Award. The main objective of this award is to recognize the work made by the ones who receive it, in favour of the European Football development. Michel Platini said: "It is a great privilege for me to present the UEFA President's Award to Eusébio, one of the all-time greatest goal scorers and ambassadors for the game of football. "Eusébio is a giant in our sport and the values such as self-abnegation, fair play and respect, conveyed throughout his successful career, both on and off the pitch, have made him a good example for future generations."

The reds won the Lisbon derbies

The reds had for two different competitions to face the two Lisbon rivals and the most important was obtained, that was, two victories.

Carlsberg Cup: Sporting Clube Portugal 1-4 Sport Lisboa e Benfica

SL Benfica went to visit the lions home, José Alvalade Stadium, for the Liga Cup last week on the 9th February and was expecting to face the same old rival. However, things were not like that, Sporting club is living some difficult times and the team is the reflex of it.

Many fans expected a better Sporting for the following reasons: the team was away from the Portuguese Cup and on the Liga Sagres was occupying the fourth place. It was a derby against the eternal rival and also because the game was disputed at home. Nevertheless Jorge Jesus the reds coach made some alterations on the team and players like Júlio César, Éder Luís and Alan Kardec entered initially.

Sporting entered the game badly, João Pereira made a unnecessary fault (7’) over Ramires and saw the red card. The result of the free kick was precisely the first goal of SLB, scored by David Luiz (8’). The time was passing and Di Maria making damage on the opponent defence when half an hour arrived and with it the second goal of the game and again for the reds, this time scored by the Brazilian Ramires. Another Brazilian player scored for Sporting CP seven minutes later, his name Liedson, the lions player who played more on the 90’ minutes. On the second part of the game came two more goals one from the number 4 Luisão (68’) and the other one from Óscar Cardozo just before the final whistle from Olegário Benquerença the referee of the game who made an acceptable work.

Liga Sagres: Sport Lisboa e Benfica 1-0 Clube Futebol «Os Belenenses»

Benfica received for the Portuguese Liga last Saturday afternoon another rival from the Capital, this time the team of CF «Os Belenenses». The Belem team came to Luz on the last place of the championship but strangely because they are playing a pleasant football. The team orientated by António Conceição appeared facing Benfica differently from the others teams who normally come to our Stadium to defend. A well organized team made the eagle players run more and caused many troubles to the eagles offensive who had tuff times. However more than 45300 spectators saw Cardozo scoring soon, before the 10 minutes, when he responded well with his head to a perfect cross from Ramires on the right. A open game that had few chances for both sides. Quim the Benfica goalkeeper responded always well on the few chances created by the blues from Restelo, mainly in the first half and by Fajardo. David Luiz and Weldon need to be more concentrated and focus more on what Jesus wants from them, on the other hand, Javi Garcia, Fábio Coentrão and Maxi Pereira helped in a very positive way the team obtaining this 3 points. The referee wasn’t noticed expect when showed correctly the red card to Bruno Vale, the Belenenses goalkeeper who was making a good job, when he defended a ball from Cardozo away from his area.

The doors of the Algarve Stadium will be opened on the 20th of March to receive the Carlsberg Cup final, Benfica will then play against the other finalist team FC Porto. On the Portuguese Liga Benfica maintains the first position with 49 points.

Liga Sagres: Two games - 4 points

Liga Sagres: Sport Lisboa e Benfica 3-0 União Desportiva de Leiria

On a cold Wednesday night, the reds received the team of Leiria and added 3 more points.

More than 30 000 were able to see a game where Benfica owned the ball. The 90' minutes were of absolute control of SLB and although Silas and Carlão, UD Leiria players, tried to do everything they could to reach the Quim nets, no significant danger was registered. The South American players Saviola and Aimar broke the opponent defensive allowing Cardozo, before the ten minutes to score the 1st goal. "The rabbit" Saviola scored the second of the night and the last goal was obtained near the end of the game by Rúben Amorim, on a tremendous kick to Leiria nets. Although by this time the Leiria goalkeeper was suffering from pains, this goal is important mainly to Rúben who needed this goal to easier achieve the good performances, we are used to see.

Liga Sagres: Vitória Futebol Clube 1-1 Sport Lisboa e Benfica

Last Saturday, the city of Setúbal, received the visit of the reds.

Everybody was with high expectations on good game, that mainly because the games of Vitória FC (Setúbal) at home are always considered difficult to the visitors and also because the last result between these two teams, had been of 8-1 benefiting the reds. Well, if we look at the final result, a one goal draw, we may consider that those previews were correct. In fact, who saw the game has the perfect conscious that Benfica lost two points for own responsibility.

SL Benfica controlled well the game and reached the goal by David Luiz 14' responding well to a corner kick and making the ball, who was touched by Ricardo Silva the Vitória defence, go into the nets of the goalkeeper Mário Felgueiras. Everybody expected more goals but the lack of enthusiasm and dynamic of the eagles made a timid Vitória appear. Before the end of the first part 38', David Luiz alone in the area missed a kick and unfortunately to the team made a own goal. Nothing of much importance to register until the end of the game, except for a great opportunity from Cardozo who missed a penalty near the end of the game. The referee team was not also 100% and a goal for Vitória and a penalty for Benfica were in our opinion bad judged. In resume, this game could and should have been better.

The last weeks have been full of cases in Portugal, involving police records (YouTube) of football people and their influences, referees being strangely contacted by phone, players of opponent teams being contacted to "give" them money, tunnels where players respond to Stewards words, and being "punished" someday. Well, If all this, being true or false, occurred till now, one question is needed to be asked: How dramatic will the next episodes of this Soap Opera be?

Living dramatic moments, are the lions, Sporting Clube de Portugal, that receive later the eagles, SL Benfica for the Liga Cup competition. After loosing with FC Porto the access to the next phase of the Millennium Cup and being at a distance of 19 points (one game less) of the Portuguese Liga top, the only national competition where Sporting can show some work is on the Carlsberg Cup.

All the eyes will be focused (20.15h local time) on Alvalade Stadium. Don't miss it!

Liga Sagres: Sport Lisboa e Benfica 3-1 Vitória Sport Clube

More than 50.000 football fans assisted to the great game between SL Benfica and Vitória SC. The game was on Saturday evening on the beautiful Stadium of Luz.

The reds received the Guimarães team, this time for the Liga Sagres competition. The only team who had defeated the reds on official home games. But the game result became much different from that counting to the Portuguese Cup. Benfica won the game and the final result, was a fair victory of three goals to one. The northern team entered very well in the game and caused some troubles to the eagles, mainly after the first goal. Aimar, who is recovering his best shape, took the ball from the midfield and benefited from an apparently lost ball to appear alone facing Nilson and scoring the first goal for SLB. Some of the most dangerous Vitória SC players Custódio, Targino and Desmarets tried to break down the reds defensive, but only Nuno Assis grabbed that chance and didn't waste it.

On the second half Jorge Jesus transmited so much motivation to our players that at least two argued. But this kind of discussions, about who is in better position to shot the nets, was positive. The players involved were, Óscar Cardozo who, like any other striker around the world, focused on the nets and lost the chance of passing a ball to Carlos Martins, being this last one, eventually in a better position to score. The result of this guts to win the game gave some fruits later when Carlos Martins shot twice the Nilson nets. The Vitória goalkeeper who always makes tremendous exhibitions in Luz against Benfica had no chance to stop the powerful shots of Carlos Martins. On the last twenty minutes of the game Benfica played with only 10 players. Carlos Martins, the better player in field saw a second yellow card and went sooner to the dressing room. A important victory when the Winter market closed. About entrances and exits on Luz, here we leave some of them:

On Winter Market

Joining SLB:
Alan Kardec from Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama
Airton from Clube de Regatas do Flamengo
Éder Luís from Clube Atlético Mineiro

Leaving Luz:
Shaffer loaned to Club Atlético Banfield
Patric loaned to Avaí Futebol Clube
Urreta loaned to Club Atlético Peñarol
Adu loaned to Aris Thessaloniki FC
Balboa loaned to Fútbol Club Cartagena
Moretto sold to Brasiliense Futebol Clube
Ed Carlos sold to Club Deportivo SCl Cruz Azul

Tomorrow Benfica will receive the União Desportiva de Leiria team on an advanced game of the Portuguese Liga Sagres. This option was considered because the calendar may cause some damage, principally the Europa League games, that will occur during this month. Until the end of the championship, many victories are needed and every points will count, so come to Luz to give the maxim support to our Club Benfica!

Carlsberg Cup.Rio Ave Futebol Clube 1-2 Sport Lisboa e Benfica

Once again in a short period of time, two weeks, SL Benfica went to Vila do Conde and won the game. This time the competition was different, Carlsberg Cup, but the wish to win the same.

Rio Ave FC, received the reds on the cold Sunday night and as usual played a lot to get a victory against SLB. We know that the teams of Carlos Brito are always tuff, and those players who entered on that game were, for sure, no different. Carlos Martins scored the first goal of the game, but few minutes later, Rio Ave FC achieved the goal. A fault committed by David Luiz originated a penalty that was, successfully converted by Bruno Gama. Later and when Rio Ave FC, was showing some tiredness, from another recent game they had for the Portuguese Cup, Di Maria shoot accurately for the second goal of the game.

Maxi Pereira and Moreira were very well on this game, similar work had the new player Alan Kardec, who had the chance to enter the game and send for two times the ball to the posts.

Benfica achieved the first place of the group and will go into the next phase. The adversary was precisely chosen today, and the draw dictated that our glorious team will play against our eternal rivals in there stadium. The game against Sporting CP will be probably on the 9th or on the 10th of February.

Yesterday, the great Portuguese player Eusébio made 68 years old. What better way to celebrate that date than opening a particular game between the old glories of SL Benfica and other Stars, the Zidane friends. Unfortunately, like the king observed, the reasons to join us all here are not the better, and we know that everything we do against poverty or in this concrete case to help the Haiti people, will always seem few. Among the players the public, more than 51.000 spectators, had the pleasure to see Fernando Chalana, Nené, Mats Magnusson, Figo, Kaká and Zidane. The final result was a 3 goals draw but the best result was that amount of money obtained with the Portuguese public collaboration.

Maybe the players who passed yesterday by the Luz Stadium are a bit fatter, with the more white hairs, and also a bit slower, nevertheless we will never forget the ones who so much happy moments gave to us, football lovers. Thank you all for being who you are.

Liga sagres: Club Sport Marítimo 0-5 Sport Lisboa e Benfica

SL Benfica wins against the CS Maritimo team, in Madeira island, and keeps sharing the top of the Portuguese Liga with SP Braga.

Recently, there were the huge and known celebrations of the new year, in the Madeira Island. One of the most popular places in Portugal and in Europe, to celebrate the entrance in the new year. Probably the Maritimo players were still recovering from that particular night. The mistakes the players orientated by Mitchel van der Gaag were so many that, was difficult not winning that game.

Last Sunday the Lisbon team made one of the most intelligent games on this season. Benfica conceded some ball control to the home team, during half an hour, but on the other hand, the team of Paulo Jorge and Manú had few spaces to play. During this period a lonely chance, created by Cláudio Pittbull, took some danger to the nets protected by Quim. After this, the red forwards demonstrated their great capacities. Di Maria, Aimar and Cardozo helped Saviola (30') scoring the first goal. A brilliant header from "El Conejo" that gave no chance to Peçanha, the CS Maritimo goalkeeper. Peçanha was disappointed with his companions and, more reasons had a few moments later, when Olberdam decided to say something probably nasty and the referee heard and he become expulsed from the game. On the 34' Maxi Pereira appeared on the area and scored the second of the eagles. Before the end of the first half, Robson originates a penalty and sees the red card. Cardozo called to kick the penalty doesn't miss and scores the third goal of the team.

On the second part of the game, Jorge Jesus players controlled even better the match and reached the goal, for two more times. An own goal by R. Sousa and the other from the team captain, the Brazilian Luisão. When Carlos Martins, Nuno Gomes and Éder Luís entered the game, few was left to do.

The referee could have marked two penalties, one against Benfica on an eventual hand from Maxi and the other against CS Marítimo on a eventual fault on Aimar. But in a global way the work of João Ferreira and his team was positive and did not caused any interference on the final result (0-5).

On the thirteen January SLB visited Vitória SC for the Carlsberg Cup and achieved a draw on a terrible pitch. The weather in Guimarães was terrible and both teams suffered a lot to be able to play a decent match. Douglas (56') scored for Vitória SC and Fábio Coentrão (75') equalized the game. Few spectators (4.318) and few more to say besides the titularity given by J. Jesus to Julio César, Roderick and to Éder Luís.

The liga Cup needs to be more attractive, in terms of sport and earnings. It is urgent to rebuild the competition in a way that everybody can be satisfied, the Clubs and of course the fans.

Liga Sagres: Rio Ave Futebol Clube 0-1 Sport Lisboa e Benfica

In one of the most difficult games of this weekend, the reds visited Via da Conde, and brought three precious points back home.

Everyone knew that playing against Rio Ave FC, at their place, is extremely complicated and, if any doubts could be, the results achieved by them on the first half of the Liga Sagres, express perfectly well that: 7 games played – 2 Victories – 4 draws – 1 defeat. Useless to say that the defeat was this Saturday night against Benfica.

Jorge Jesus wanted to win this game, but he couldn’t get to much risks and suffering a goal. The eagle players could have entered better on the first half, but the structure of Rio Ave FC, made by Carlos Brito, didn’t allow that. Players like Fábio Faria, Bruno Gama and also the veteran João Tomás, for instance, consolidate this northern team, making of it one of the most solid on the midfield and mainly on the defence. Fortunately for us the return from the dressing rooms gave the players a different moral, that allowed Benfica reaching the goal. The goal was scored by Saviola on a lucky kick, after a corner kick has been marked and the opponent players stayed mainly worried with the taller guys.

Javier Pedro Saviola Fernández (1981/12/11)

Javier Saviola known also as El Conejo (The Rabbit) was born in, Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1981.

This Argentine player who also detains the Spanish nationality, by the age of sixteen began playing football on River Plate. The excellent performances and the title of the South American Football player of the year 1999 helped his talent being recognized.

The European dream became true, for one of the most important teams of the old Continent, Barcelona FC signed him when he was 19 years old. Louis Van Gaal helped him grew up and he responded with goals. After that fantastic season some ups and downs occurred on Cataluña and ended with the loan to the French team of AS Monaco FC. Later another loan allowed him the conquer of the Uefa Cup, while representing this Spanish team of Sevilla FC, in 2006. The return to Barça was a reality but noticed was the following season when Real Madrid signed with him.

This striker is known by his agility and velocity. He scores easily and likes to appear on the second posts on corner kicks and free kicks. Saviola likes to enter the penalty area with or without the ball to score. A disgrace to the opponent defensives.

Now it is time to represent the reds and play in the Cathedral "Luz". Among his companions, one above all, has many responsabilities for the presence of Javier in Luz, is name P. Aimar. His old River Plate mate told him, how big Benfica is and, how he could once again show his qualities, this time in Portugal.

Everyone can see that the "Rabbit" is happy for being playing with regularity and also for being part of this Benfica team.

Tonight Benfica will visit the city where Portugal became a Nation, Guimarães where we will be facing the local team Vitória Sport Clube. This game is the second one of the Liga Cup Group competition, where we expect another victory.

Carlsberg Cup : Sport Lisboa e Benfica 1-0 Clube Desportivo Nacional

The year started well for the reds. A victory on the 1st round of the Carlsberg Cup 2oo9/1o group phase.

Benfica received the Madeira team, CD Nacional and won. The reds couldn't have had a better result after the holidays period. To return to competition after Xmas and the New Year celebrations is not definitively easy.

The eagles appeared with a bit of apathy on the first half, where Carlos Martins, had a good chance to score for the reds. On the second half Nuno Gomes (78') entered into the game and made an amazing pass to Saviola who once again scored "easily".

A note to the referee O. Benquerença and his team who weren't lucky in Luz, penalizing both teams. For instance, not marking penalties that could have been marked and avoiding to show the red cards on more aggressive disputes between players. Also a goal for National may have been wrongly invalidated. We also think like the Portuguese Liga President hoping that any day in the future technologies may be implemented on football, helping the referee teams make there job even better.

Yesterday Benfica received Centro Desportivo de Fátima for a friendly on Caixa Futebol Campus and lost. The final result was 1-2, and the reds goal, was from the argentine Di Maria. The new acquisitions of SL Benfica, Airton, Alan Kardec and Éder Luís had the chance to show some of their qualities.

This young players demonstrate that the eagles are in the right way to build a even more competitive team. Now it is time to recover the fitness. The harder competition phase is yet to come.