The Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira will be held Sunday August 10, 2014 at the in Aveiro, Portugal. Benfica will face Rio Ave in the hopes of gaining their fifth Supertaça. (Benfica have won 1980, 1985, 1989, 2005) Although Benfica only managed to win 2 out of their 9 pre - season matches, The Benfica Nation are putting those results aside for the start of the 2014/15 season. Many critics and even coach Jorge Jesus have referred to these pre - season games as unimportant or as JJ puts it "Jogos de treino." (Training matches)
Benfica goes into this match with the advantage over Rio Ave as they have defeated them in all 4 encounters during the 2013/14 season. In fact, Rio Ave last beat Benfica on April 10, 2005. Rio Ave is now coached by ex - Maritimo coach Pedro Martins who on match day #1 last season managed to beat Benfica 2-1 while coaching Maritimo. Although Rio Ave may not have the best track record against Benfica, they are doing their homework and won't lie down letting this prestigious cup slip out of their hands.
For those of who don't know (as I did) Cândido de Oliveira was the first ever documented captain for the Portuguese National Team in 1921.This Super Cup came into play in the 1943/44 season when it was known as the Taça and in 1979 The Portuguese Football Federation renamed it Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. Until 2000, this Cup was played on a home and away legs but has now become a single match to start the beginning of the season on a neutral ground.
Going into this match Benfica has to focus on the prize on hand and that is winning their fifth Supertaça. Although Benfica has had many exits during the pre-season, they have been many new arrivals who have a lot to offer to the squad. There are still injuries and absentee's going into this game but if Benfica plays their best 11 and does not underestimate Rio Ave, the title will be ours.
http://bit.ly/1q2vDCP (Click here to see my starting 11)
Benfica's strongest weakness during this pre-season has been experienced goal keeper Artur. Artur's performance has been atrocious. Since Oblak's transfer to Atletico Madrid, Artur was given the opportunity to prove himself to become Benfica's top goalie yet again but he get's an "F" for his efforts. If Benfica loses this sunday it won't be any one's fault but Artur. At this point my biggest fear is coming true and that is Benfica without a proper goal keeper to represent them during the 2014/15 season. If no one of quality arrives sooner then later at The Luz can JJ please #GiveBrunoVarelaAChance
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