Benfica Welcomes Ivan Saponjic

SL Benfica have signed 18 year old Partizan Forward Ivan Saponjic. During the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Ivan Saponjic was part of the winning Serbian side. Although, Ivan Saponjic is only 18 years old, he has already had great exposure and achievements in such a short amount of time. At barely 16 Ivan Saponjic made his professional debut with Partizan Belgrade in the Serbian League. He scored 7 goals in 32 appearances and netted a brace during a UEFA Champions League playoff match against BATE Borisov on August 26, 2015.

There is no telling as to what plans Rui Vitoria has for Ivan Saponjic for the remainder of the 2015/16 season. Currently Jonas is Benfica's (and the Liga's) top Forward with 18 goals in 17 appearances. Mitroglu has 5 goals and Raul has 3 unless there are major injuries or departures during the January transfer window, it is unlikely that Ivan Saponjic may see any minutes on Benfica's main squad this season. There are also such Forwards as; Hildeberto Perreira (19 years old), Diogo Goncalves (18 years old), Oliver Šarkić (18 years old) are also looking for a window of opportunity to prove themselves worthy on Benfica's main squad. 

Nelson Oliveira In 2015/16

Just shortly after the arrival of Benfica coach Rui Vitoria in July, 2015 an article was featured on the Benfica Podcast website (written by your truly) regarding the future of "Made In Benfica" Forward Nelson Oliveira. In this article it was mentioned that with the arrival of a new coach that Nelson Oliveira may finally get the chance that he has been fighting for and was unable to get during the six year reign of Jorge Jesus. 

Nelson Oliveira has crossed paths with Rui Vitoria during his time as a youth player at Benfica and while Oliveira was on loan to Pacos de Ferreira during the 2010/11 season. Although Vitoria speaks highly of the still young 24 year-old forward while the 2015/16 season approached there was simply no room for Oliveira especially with such forwards arriving as Raul Jimenez, and Kostas Mitroglu. 

Once again for a sixth consecutive season Nelson Oliveira finds himself at another loan spell but this time it is at England League Championship side Nottingham Forrest. Forrest is a historic team who not only plays a part in the history of footy in England but they have also won back to back UEFA European Cups and one Super Cup. 

In 15 appearances at Forrest, Nelson Oliveira has become their top scorer with 6 goals. There is still no uncertainty as to what the future holds for Nelson Oliveira. Oliveira was recently called up by Fernando Santos to represent Portugal in a friendly against Luxembourg. At this work rate if Portugal is without a forward by Euro 2016 there may be a chance that Oliveira may get the call up (His competitors are; Lucas Joao, Eder, Rui Fonte, Ukra, and an injury prone Hugo Almeida) 

In regards to Benfica, Nelson Oliveira's contract expires June 30, 2016. There is currently no discussion as to whether or not Benfica will renew Oliveira's contract. Oliveira would not be the first "Made In Benfica" to move on from the club.(Look at his former team mates as Miguel Rosa, David Simao, and Mika are all in reputable first division sides in Portugal) A Portuguese striker is always well appreciated by Benfica however with Jonas, Raul, and a possible Mitroglu signing, Oliveira may have to once again fight to prove himself for a spot in the club's future. 

SL Benfica In 2015/16

For the first time in over 30 years, SL Benfica won the Portuguese Liga for two consecutive years in a row. Jorge Jesus and company worked hard throughout the 2014/15 season to change the guard over in Portugal to identify SL Benfica as the only team that mattered in Portugal. A much needed "Bi- Campeonato" for the Benfica Nation. In just a few weeks after SL Benfica won their 34th Portuguese Liga titles, their coach of six years Jorge Jesus did the unthinkable and not only leave SL Benfica but begin coaching Lisbon rivals Sporting CP.

SL Benfica went out and hired former SL Benfica youth coach nice guy Rui Vitoria. Although Vitoria's salary was much more reasonable then JJ's, In all fairness Vitoria on paper looked like a great option to replace JJ at the time. Former Sporting coach Marco Silva was also an option but soon joined Olimpiacos.

The 2015/16 Benfica pre-season started 22 weeks ago at The Seixal where 3,000 fans came to watch the first and only open practice to the public in which Benfica showcased some of their new talents and returning talents before embarking on a 5 match North American pre-season tour.Such newer faces for the 2015/16 squad included: Ederson (GK), Nelson Semedo (RB), Adel Taarabt (Mid), Mehdi Carcela (Winger), Renato Sanches (Mid), Nuno Santos (Forward), Raul (Forward), Mitroglu (Forward)

2015/16 Liga

Although the pre-season was terrible for SL Benfica (1 win, 4 loses in North America and a loss to Sporting in the Portuguese Super Cup) Benfica opened up Matchday #1 with a 4-0 win against Estoril. Although the scoreline was impressive the fans yet were not impressed with Benfica and their new coach. It was one week later in which Benfica lost 1-0 away to Arouca (a team who was recently playing in third division Portuguese soccer). Occasionally slip ups do occur to big clubs but these 3 points (along with a few others) may come back to haunt the club throughout the rest of the season.

It was Matchday #5 in which Benfica would lose another additional 3 points away to FC Porto. A game in which Benfica dominated the first half with possession and shots on net but were unable to create opportunities in the second half. FC Porto capitalized in the 86" resulting in a 1-0 loss. Then on Matchday #7 Benfica hosted Sporting and for the first time in almost two decades, Benfica were dominated and lost in an abmissal 3-0 performance. Sporting is now first place in the Portuguese Liga and continues to do so until Matchday #14 after suffering a loss to Uniao De Madeira.

SL Benfica end the first part of the 2015/16 season in third place with 31 points, Sporting in second place with 35 points and FC Porto in first with 36 points. Although coach Rui Vitoria is often blamed for this year's performance, SL Benfica currently are without such key players as; Salvio, Luisao., and Nelson Semedo. With Grimaldo just signing to SL Benfica from Barcelona and possibly some other changes on their way in the up and coming January transfer window, the 2015/16 season is still not over and SL Benfica can still turn it around. 

2015/16 UEFA Champions League

For the first time since the 2011/12 competition, SL Benfica have qualified out of the group stages of the UEFA Champions League and onto the Round Of 16. SL Benfica was unable to keep their first place position in Group C after losing to Atletico Madrid on Matchday #6. Although some may say SL Benfica's next opponent Zenit St. Petersburg may be a favourable opponent, during last season's home and away legs, SL Benfica were not only unable to defeat Zenit but were unable to score. 

With the Russian Pro League on a brief winter hiatus, SL Benfica may be able to catch Zenit off guard and advance to the Quarter - Finals a stage in which SL Benfica has not reached since 2011/12 losing to Chelsea. 

Currently SL Benfica have been awarded over 20 Million in cash prizes (according to Wikipedia) during this year's UEFA competition:

12,000,000 (Qualifying)

 4, 500,000 (3 Wins During Group Stage)

     500,000 (1 Draw During Group Stage)

5, 500, 000 (Reaching The Round of 16)

2015/16 UEFA Youth League

In it's third year of existence, the UEFA Youth League has been a consistently successful competition for SL Benfica. With the emergence of great talents in the past such as; Goncalo Guedes, Joao Teixeira, Renato Sanches, and Rochinha, the SL Benfica UEFA Youth League of 2015/16 will produce such future stars as; Hildeberto Perreira, Diogo Goncalves, Joao Lima and Goalkeeper Andre Ferreira. 

SL Benfica lost to Barcelona in the 2013/14 Final and were Quarter-Finalists in 2014/15. So far in this year's competition Benfica have set all time records defeating Astana 8-0 and Galatassaray 11-1. SL Benfica won the group with 16 points scoring 26 goals in 6 matches and only allowing in 3 goals. 

Based on the success of their Group performance, SL Benfica are currently one of the favorites to win this year's competition. SL Benfica continue to flourish with the success of their youth teams at The Seixal. 

Recently SL Benfica received an award at the 2015 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai for Best Youth Academy. This is a title in which Barcelona has often been acknowledged for in the past. With Benfica's recent deal with NOS ($400 Million in 10 years) other then paying off debt, Benfica will most definitely continue to invest in their youth system.

Final Thoughts

Many Benfiquistas dream of winning a third consecutive league title for the 2015/16 season. The "Tri - Campeonato" still has many games to be played and mathematically SL Benfica are still within a title contention. With that being said Coach Rui Vitoria is in a rebuilding year with SL Benfica. Consistency or dare I say lack of has been a big part of this year's performance.

SL Benfica are strong at times and then weak during others. Losing to Arouca and drawing to Uniao De Madeira were unnecessary lost points that are needed to win the league. Losing away to FC Porto 1-0 was not as traumatic to the Benfica Nation as losing 3-0 at home to Sporting, something in which has not happen in almost 10 years.

SL Benfica right now have a top goal scorer in the league. Jonas has scored 13 goals in 14 matches. For a third place team this is a bit hard to grasp since ideally the top goal scorer in the league usually represents the top team in the league. SL Benfica also have the best goal difference in the league with +24 (+23 FC Porto, +17 Sporting).

Unfortunately there has been an early exit in this year's Portuguese Cup and although the Liga Cup is not as prestigious it is still silverware and is still within reach. Winning any silverware regardless of the prestige is always an accomplishment and celebration for the fans and for the club.  

Regardless if SL Benfica win the league or not, it is a rebuilding year and even if a mid-table finish occurs, Coach Rui Vitoria will not be fired. He has done great things in the UEFA Champions League and is giving an opportunity to such "Made In Benfica' players as; Renato Sanches, Nelson Semedo, and to a greater extent Goncalo Guedes. This is something in which the fans can appreciate since former coach Jorge Jesus rarely gave opportunities to youth players.

SL Benfica need to be consistent in the new year and treat each game as a final one game at a time. Losing to FC Porto or Sporting may not jeopardize their title as long as they consistently defeat the Arouca's and Uniao De Madeira's in the second half of the season. 

Benfica Hosts CF Os Belenenses

And now that Ronaldo and friends are almost through to the Euro 2016 competition in France, we can all focus our attention to Portugal's most important team SL Benfica. Match day #4 takes place this Friday September 11, 2015 as SL Benfica host CF Belenenses. Benfica are looking for their third victory of the season, and Belenenses although have not suffered a loss yet, they are also win-less after drawing all three of their games in the 2015-16 Liga NOS. 

It is true that we have not yet seen a dominant Benfica this season. Matchday #1 did see a 4-1 victory over Estoril, a controversial 1-0 loss in Aveiro to Arouca, and a 3-2 victory over Moreirense. In a recent interview with ABola, Benfica President LFV, he mentions how he is confident in coach Rui Vitoria and that the results will come. It is unfortunate that we (Benfica) were not able to get 1 or 2 more players during the summer transfer market (Lazar Markovic, and Fabio Coentrao or Ansaldi) but there were still some great additions to the squad and of course there is plenty of depth. No need to panic yet Benfica Nation. 

Coach Rui Vitoria is looking at alternative options for this friday as some of Benfica's main starters (Eliseu, João Teixeira, Ederson, Fejsa, Mitroglou, Samaris, Raúl Jiménez e Gaitán) are coming off international duty and may not be in full form. Benfica fans are expecting to see the debut of Adel Taarabt who most definitely may not start but is a possible option to come off the bench. The 26 year old Moroccan International upon his arrival at The Seixal seemed fatigued or out of shape and had to undergo weight loss training until he was deemed fit to play (now?) Mehdi Carcela-González is an option on the right wing since Ola John has departed on loan to Reading. More then likely since he is coming off an injury he may come off the bench as a sub at some point in the game. Finally, Benfica's "Batman" Jardel is also rumoured to make his return to the squad this weekend. There is no doubt that he has a lot to offer but not be ready to take the starting spot beside Luisao as Lisandro has had some decent performances so far this season. 

During this week's training, Coach Vitoria has also included such junior players as; Defenders João Nunes, 19, and João Lima, 19, forwards  Hildeberto Pereira, 19,and  Oliver Sarkic, 18.18 year old midfielder Joao Carvalho is currently a well discussed name at The Seixal. He has also been rumoured to be included sooner rather then later to Benfica's main squad. Coach Vitoria mentioned at the beginning of the season that if the youth players are working hard for the B Team and Juniors that there will be an opportunity available for them to prove themselves on Benfica's main squad. 

Benfica B will host Academica Viseu this saturday at 12:00 (BTV) and Benfica Juniors will be playing away to Oeiras.

Match Day #2 FC Arouca vs SL Benfica

It has only been a few years n in which we first heard of this second team from the Aveiro district named FC Arouca. Within the 7 years (2006 on), FC Arouca was promoted four times and finally reached the top flight in Portuguese football in the 2012/13 season. In what the locals are calling for as the most important day in the club's history (other then their promotion) FC Arouca did the unthinkable and take over the top spot in the Liga NOS by defeating the biggest club in Portugal SL Benfica. 

WHAT WENT WRONG?

SL Benfica allowed their first and only goal earlier on in the 3' of the match as FC Arouca striker Roberto was able to get by winger Nelson Semedo and goalie Julio Cesar. Some say it was nerves, others just a bad mistake, Benfica began trailing to a primarily Benfica influenced crowd at The Estadio Municipal De Aveiro. Although the Eagles looked terrible within the first 10 minutes they began pressing on ending the half with most of the ball possession and some 15 shots on net. 

Sl Benfica continued their momentum at the start at the second  half in which we consistently saw failed attempts and finishes at set pieces, and a failure to score as FC Arouca most definetly was the man of the match stopping anything and everything that SL Benfica threw their way. 

We saw Rui Vitoria make his first sub at the start of the second as Ola John was subbed off for Victor Andrade. A decision that some felt should of occurred at the start of the game. Benfiquistas saw the debut of Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez in the 68' as he came on for Eliseu in the 68". Shortly after Benfica's final sub came in the 74' in which Samaris was taken off for our new signing Raul Jimenez. At this point Benfica had five potential forwards and also Nico Gaitan and Pizzi with Luisao, Lisandro Lopez, and Semedo covering the back line. FC Arouca had parked the bus and more importantly had a brick wall of a goal keeper that no one can surpass. 

Finally, in the 90+5" Jonas was able to equalize the game in a goal which was disallowed by referee Nuno Almeida. Many fans were outraged as there was no reasoning to the ref\s decision to disallow this goal. There was no offside or foul. FC Arouca finish week 2 of Liga NOS in first place undefeated with two consecutive shout out performances by Rafael Bracali. 

SL Benfica host Moreirense in Matchday #3 on Saturday August 29, 2015

Match Statistics

Match Highlights

Rui Vitoria Press

Matchday #1 SL Benfica vs Estoril

Benfica opened their 2015/16 season with an impressive 4-0 victory at the Luz hosting Estoril. Although this was the most impressive scoreline throughout the Liga NOS during match day #1, Benfica fans watching this match live were not sure what the end result would be as it took 74' to see the first of many goals. 

Benfica's starting line up looked like this, which if you look the previous week's line up is slightly different. Eliseu started over last week's Silvio. Pizzi and Fejsa both started in the midfield (Samaris was a sub during the Estoril game) and Mitroglu started over Talisca. We/re not sure if the Sporting line up will be the line up that Rui Vitoria will use during big matches and yesterday's line-up will be against weaker opposition. Although the season has already started, these two games are still a very early indication as to whether or not Vitoria needs to consistently alter the line up and let's not also forget with the arrival of Mexican forward Raul Jimenez from Atletico Madrid and possibly a few more arrivals to come before the end of the transfer window, there is no telling what this Benfica team will look like by mid - season let alone the end of the year. 

There were  a few disappointments to the game such players as Ola John, Pizzi and Eliseu struggled to make an impact throughout the match especially during the first half but were attacking a bit more in the second half. John for instance tried setting up plays with Nico and Jonas during the second half but was unsuccessful. Eliseu pressed up more around the 54' and still demonstrated that strong bullet of a shot that he has. 

Just like last week's Portuguese Super Cup, the referee's (who I accept their efforts and hard work) may not be able to see everything that occurs on the pitch but missed several obvious calls. If these last two weeks are any indication of what Benfica has to look forward to this season, then they will have a long season ahead of them and hopefully they can continue to produce results just like this one. (Can't the Liga hire non - Portuguese refs? I feel this would change the flow of the game and provide less controversial calls)

The game changer began in the 61' when Pizzi, and Ola John came off for Tallisca and Victor Andrade. Although Pizzi seemed absent during the game he still is a very important part of the Benfica midfield. Tallisca provides good depth and had great energy coming into the match. At the time I was skeptical of Victor Andrade being a part of the main squad as it was assumed that he would return to the B squad. Since John was playing on the wing, this was a position that Andrade can fill in as he did with a great first team debut performance. 

The goals began soaring in. In the 74" after a few missed attempts on net Mitroglu scored an astonishing header crossed in from Nico. Jonas would score his first brace of the season scoring a PK in the 78' and replicate Mitroglu's header scoring in the 81'. Mitroglu was subbed off for Guedes in the 84' and the most memorable moment of the match came in the 88' Andrade finds the back heel of Nico who sets up 18-year old Nelsinho Semedo for his first ever goal on the Benfica main squad making it a final score of 4-0. 

Benfica coach Rui Vitoria was happy with the result. In his press conference after the game he touched on several important topics with the media. He mentions how winning the first game of the season was very important because there is a long road ahead of Benfica this season. Such youth players as Nelson Semedo, and Victor Andrade are quality players and were praised after the match. Coach Vitoria says that if the players are ready to work hard and prove themselves that the door will be open for them for an opportunity on the main squad.The first shut out of the season is also a confidence builder for the team and of course for Julio. Just because Benfica won 4-0 doesn't mean that there is not work to be done. There is always room for improvement. 

When asked about Nico's departure, Rui mentioned that he is a quality player that he likes and counts on who has heart and wants to be at the club. Even though Benfica showed a great performance he emphasizes that it is a team effort and mentions how there are no stars or egos on the team.

Man Of The Match: Nelson Semedo

Noteable Mentions: Kostas Mitroglu, Nico Gaitan, Victor Andrade, Julio Cesar

Nélson Oliveira Last Chance

Since Rui Vitória has been appointed the new coach at SL Benfica, fans have been wondering as to what kind of changes Vitória will be implementing at the helm. Which players will he chose from this great multitude, and which formation will work?  With such hopeful signings as Taarabt, Carcela, Murillo, and the departures of Artur, Maxi and possibly a few others before September, Vitoria has his work cut out for him. A good indication as to where this 2015/16 SLB is headed will be showcased during this month’s International Champions Cup as Benfica are set to square off against such talented oppositions as Paris Saint-Germaine, Fiorentina, New York Red Bulls, and Monterrey of Mexico for the prestigious Eusebio Cup.

There are many players who are returning from loan spells and will be available for these pre-season matches. One of the many names is Nélson Oliveira the 24-year old Barcelos born striker who was deemed at one point to be not only the future striker for Benfica but the long awaited future striker of Portugal. Portugal arguably has not had a proper striker since the days of Pauleta and Nuno Gomes.

The Success Of Nélson Oliveira or better yet his shinning moments were often credited in his youth when he represented Portugal at the under 17, under 19, and under 20 and 21 levels. During the 2011 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, Oliveira played in the final as Portugal lost to Brazil in penalty kicks. He was named Man Of The Match on two occasions and won the 2011 Silver Ball Award scoring four goals in that tournament. In less then one year Oliveira was called up to Portugal’s 23 Man roaster for the UEFA Euro 2012 after bowing out to Spain during the semi-finals in penalty kicks. After the tournament there were rumours of Nélson Oliveira joining the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United on a 20 million € transfer fee. These deals obviously never went through and although there may of been some interest Oliveira continued his career at Benfica.

Prior to Euro 2012, Oliveira spent most of the 2011/12 season at Benfica on the bench. He started a total of 2 games but managed to make 12 appearances in the league. At the time there was not much room for the young Portuguese striker as Jorge Jesus had such talent up front as Saviola, Rodrigo, Bruno César, Nolito and a guy named Óscar Cardozo who would be the Portuguese League’s top goal scorer with 20 goals (tied with SC Braga’s Lima) At this point the frustration started settling in as Nélson lacked opportunities at Benfica. Before the start of the 2012/13 season Oliveira was transferred on a season long loan to Deportivo de La Coruña in Spain’s La Liga. This deal generated 600,000 € for Benfica and brought him playing with fellow, former and future team mates Silvio, Pizzi, and Luisinho. During his loan spell Oliveira started twice and was substitued 28 times scoring 4 goals including a home opener that season against Osasuna.

At the end of the 2012/13 season Nelson’s dad Adelio, began making comments towards Benfica and Jorge Jesus choice of squad. Although both Father and Son were venting their frustrations this would not help Nelson’s oportunities at Benfica for the up and coming season. Just shortly after returning from Spain and before Benfica would head down south to the Algarve to face Penãrol, Levante and Nice, Oliveira was back on a plane heading to France on a season long loan to Stade Rennes. Oliveira was featured in 30 Ligue 1 matches starting 18. He would end up being one of the most talked about players in Ligue 1 that year scoring 8 goals. This deal generated Benfica 1 million € and gave Rennes an opportunity to buy Oliveira. They did not exercise that right and by the end of the season Oliveira was back at the Luz awaiting Paulo Bento’s decision as to whom would make the initial 30 man roaster for the 2014 Portugal World Cup Team.  Bento had stated previously that he was “reluctant” to call Oliveira to the squad even though he may of had a better season then Eder (SC Braga) or an injury prone Helder Postiga (Lazio). Portugal would exit out of the 2014 World Cup early by not advancing from the group stages and Oliveira was awaiting his future at Benfica.

Benfica won 6 of their 8 games during the 2014/15 pre-season. We saw Nélson Oliveira included in Benfica’s pre-season. Although he did not play much, he was subbed on in 46th minute during a match against Swiss side FC Sion in which Oliveira was able to create a few opportunities on net. The season began and Benfica did not loan out Oliveira but perhaps should of as he spent most of the first half of the season on the bench.  Such players as Tallisca, Jonas, and Lima made for a promising first half of the season. Oliveira was once again feeling the burn as he sat on the sidelines and was only dressed for 3 of 14 games. He played no minutes for half of a season at Benfica but was finally given another oportunity as he joined Swansea in the EPL. Wilfred Bony had left for the month of January to play in the Africa Cup Of Nations so Oliveira was able to gain a spot on he team. Oliveira played 10 matches at Swansea City and scored his only goal against Newcastle a game in which The Swans would win 3-2.

Swansea City finished 8th in the EPL and SL Benfica would become “Bicampeão” for the first time in 31 years. Oliveira was unable to contribute to Benfica’s success but he is now back at the Luz ready for what awaits him in the 2015/16 season. After an impressive run with the team Jorge Jesus has left after 6 seasons and he is now replaced by a familiar face Rui Vitoria. For Oliveira, Vitoria may be his last chance to make a name for himself at Benfica. Vitoria had coached Oliveira during his 2010/11 season loan at Paços De Ferreira. They had also crossed paths when Oliveira had just arrived in the Benfica Youth system at age 15 and Vitória was coaching his final season at the Benfica Juniors.

Looking back was there some truth to Oliveira and Son’s comments towards Benfica and Jorge Jesus? Did Jorge Jesus have a personal vendetta against Oliveira? or perhaps JJ simply felt that there was no room for him at the club. Also, at the time Oliveira was trying to get spots over Rodrigo, Cardozo, and others who JJ felt were better forwards then Oliveira. As for lack of opportunities other then the first half of last season, Oliveira has consistently been given loan opportunities since he progressed from junior to senior at Benfica. Hopefully Oliveira and his dad realize now that those comments that they made in the media did more harm then good for Nélson Oliveira and his career at Benfica.

Oliveira (almost) 24 seems to be more mature these days. Him and Sr. Adélio are lashing out less at Benfica in the media. Rui Vitória has mentioned that he will be giving opportunities for Portuguese youth in the new season. Nélson is looking forward to the up and coming season and although he does not know what the future holds for him Benfica, he is willing to work hard to earn a spot representing his boyhood team. Nélson Oliveira is on contract with Benfica until June 2018 and is represented by Gestifute (Jorge Mendes)