Бенфика против Зенит раунда 16 УЕФА Preview

Benfica will travel to Russia on Wednesday to face Zenit St. Petersburg  in the second leg in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. Although, Benfica currently are leading on 1-0 aggregate, competing against Zenit has not been easy for Benfica. During the 2011/12 Champions League Quarter Finals stages, Benfica lost 3-2. During the 2014/15 Group Stages of the Champions League Benfica travelled to Russia and lost 1-0. Benfica have also failed to gain victories in Russia against such teams as; CSKA Moscow (2005 UEFA Cup) and Spartak Moscow (2012/13 UEFA Champions League)

Benfica who sits in first place in the Portuguese Liga NOS faces Zenit St. Petersburg who sits fifth place in the Russian Premier League. A win or draw will get Benfica onto the Quarter - Finals of the UEFA Champions League. Zenit playing at home will definitely have an advantage over the Eagles. Zenit playing in cold winter temperatures is something in which Benfica may not be accustom to. Coach Andre Villas Boas, has had several victories in the past over Benfica. For the most part, a majority of the Zenit players are either former Benfica players or have played against Benfica in the Portuguese League. 

Another disadvantage going into Russia is Benfica's injury list and absentee's. Julio Cesar, Jardel and Lisandro Lopez are key players in the Benfica starting 11 missing in action and for Benfica  to advance onto the Quarter - Finals will be hard considering that they are relying on such inexperienced players as;  Ederson, Grimaldo and Ruben Dias to get them there. 

Benfica are going into Russia with momentum and confidence especially after taking first place in the Portuguese Liga by defeating Lisbon rivals Sporting CP over the weekend, The task at hand appears to be against their favour but scoring one away goal or maintaining a draw may not as difficult as it seems for Benfica. If Benfica are able to advance they will be awarded €6,000,000 adding to their current champions league earnings of over €22,000,000. 

The Lisbon Derby March 5, 2016

The final Lisbon Derby of the 2015/16 Liga NOS season concluded Saturday night at Estádio José Alvalade where Benfica beat their rivals from down the street Sporting CP 1-0 due to a goal in the 20' minute by Kostas Mitroglu. MitroGOLO (as he is often referred to as due to his ability to score) has produced 15 goals in 24 league matches making him the third best scorer in the Liga NOS. )

Prior to kick-off, it was reported that goalkeeper Júlio César would be out for 6 weeks due to a 

training injury. Although 37 year old back up keeper Paulo Lopes was available, coach Rui Vitória

decided to put the pressure on the young 22 year old Ederson who made his Liga NOS debut at the 

Lisbon derby. A similar situation happened during the 2013/14 season in which Artur Moraes was 

replaced by 20 year old Jan Oblak for the remainder of the season.

In terms of similarities between Oblak vs Ederson there are a few. For starters, no one expected Júlio César to be injured prior to the most important game of Benfica's season thus giving the opportunity to Ederson. Secondly, both Ederson and Oblak disallowed goals in their debute Liga NOS matches. Finally, although both are young and seemed like inexperienced keepers, they demonstrate qualities of maturity and can be reliable to start. When Júlio César returns hopefully before the end of the season he will most definitely return to the net as Benfica's starter as he is still has a lot to offer. In the meantime, let's hope that based on yesterday's performance that Ederson (Oblak 2.0) will not fail the Benfica Nation. 

During the first 10 minutes of the match, it was evident that both teams were aggressive towards each other and not settling for anything less then a victory. Jonas was taken down instantly by the Sporting CP defense inside the penalty area. Moments later during another Jonas breakaway, Sporting CP goalkeeper Rui Vitoria appeared to reach out and grab the Benfica Forward' feet. In both cases referee Artur Soares Dias did not award any penalties or fouls. Benfica broke the silence in the 20th minute as Fulham - loanee Kostas Mitroglu capitilized on a William Carvalho mistake / deflection in the penalty area which gave the reds the 1-0 advantage. Carvalho (not a defender) was simply trying to cover up the mistakes of the Sporting CP defensive line and their goalie Rui Patricio. Sporting CP were relentless and throwing everything they could to get back into this match. During the 26th minute captain Adrien Silva ran into Benfica full-back Eliseu inside of Benfica's penalty box area. Although Soares Dias could not see everything throughout the match, it was very important that he did not award Silva a penalty kick for his acting abilities on the pitch. 

In the 39th minute Jefferson in a Renato Sanches-Esq style captured a shot outside of the Benfica box catching the top of the bar of the Benfica net. Sporting CP continued to apply pressure throughout the first half testing Ederson at least once more before half time. Their momentum continued into the second half as former Benfica player Bruno César missed a headed opportunity in the 54th minute. It was no doubt that Sporting CP dominated possession on this derby day.

Once again Ederson demonstrated a notable comparison to Oblak as he punched away the ball with confidence in the 68th minute. Sporting CP best opportunity to capitalize came in the 71st minute as Adrien Silva did not score on Benfica's wide open net reminding us all of World Cup 1994 when Baggio shot the ball over the net costing Italy the World Cup. 

After many weeks, Benfica have finally claimed first place in the Liga NOS. There are still 9 match days left in the 2015/16. Benfica need to continue to be consistent and treat every game from now until then as if it were a final. Although FC Porto and Sporting CP have challenging away games ahead of them, Benfica must not worry about anyone but themselves. 

Defending champions Benfica have now won 11 of their last 12 league games. Benfica have not won three consecutive Portuguese League titles since 1974/75 - 1976/77. 

Game Statistics. 

Game Highlights

Post Game Benfica Conference

Post Game Sporting Conference

 

Nelson Oliveira Should Return To Benfica 2016/17

Although the Nelson Oliveira story continues to be an ongoing topic for the Benfica Nation, one can't help but to wonder what the future holds for the young Benfica striker. The 24 year old is currently on loan to English Championship side Nottingham Forest and has scored 8 goals in 23 league appearances. In a league in which 46 league games are played (not including cup competitions) Oliveira at this rate may end up with 15 - 20 goals this season. 

It is true that Nottingham Forest plays in a second division league in England and are currently in tenth place (15 points from first place, 8 points from a promotion play-off spot sixth place.) but an argument can be made that The Championship in England may be more competitive then most European Leagues including Portugal's Liga NOS. In the Championship, a promotion is worth 100 Million Pounds whereas in Portugal a promotion from the second division to the first division may be worth 100 Million "Escudos" or "Paus" (probably less). Scoring 8 to 15 to possibly 20 goals in this League should be an accomplishment worth acknowledging in any league let alone the Portuguese League. 

In a year in which Portugal had a very favourable draw in Euro 2016 Fernando Santos is still without a dedicated true striker. Oliveira, although may not be a favourable choice to most Portuguese footy fans due to his outspoken Father and poor attitude during his days under Jorge Jesus, Oliveira compared to other Portuguese strikers such as; Eder, Hugo Almeida, Helder Postiga, Lucas Joao, and a few others has proven himself worthy according to his numbers. 

If Nelson Oliveira was currently on loan in the Portuguese Liga NOS to a mid-table team such as; Arouca, Belenenses, or even Braga and scored 8-10 League goals this season, many critics and fans would be in favour of having Nelson Oliveira return to Benfica and become the second or third string striker. Benfica this summer acquired 50% of  Raul Jimenez' rights and although there is talent in th young Mexican's feet, he has only  produced 3 goals in the Liga this year at the Luz. 

Nelson Oliveira is a "Made In Benfica" product from The Seixal and has been since 2006. He is represented by Jorge Mendes and his contract with Benfica expires on June of 2016. Although Oliveira has crossed paths with Rui Vitoria in the past, there is no word yet as to what Oliveira's future holds with Vitoria or at The Luz. One thing is for sure Benfica fans love not only a Portuguese Striker but one who scores goals. This is something Benfica has not seen since the says of Nuno Gomes. Hopefully for Oliveira he can keep his attitude in check and can continue to work hard by delivering the goals proving that he is worth a shot for Benfica's future. 

SL Benfica's 400 Million Possibilites

Although the Benfica NOS deal is still not hundred percent clear to everyone (except the parties involved) what is well known is hat Benfica has sold their TV rights for €400 million over the next 10 years. For a club with the history and prestige as Benfica this financial gain will help Benfica eliminate debt and help continue to grow the Benfica name across the globe.

Eliminating debt or paying down most of the debt in any situation always leaves a feeling a satisfaction. It's as if a burden is lifted off your shoulders and you can now focus on building a positive future. The president will most definitely use most of that money if not all of it to pay off current debts previously accumulated by former Benfica Presidents (We all know their names).

Benfica will also continue to grow youth within Benfica. The Seixal has become very popular supposedly there are renovations in the process and a possible second ground at The Seixal for the Benfica system. 

This deal is great for Benfica however in the long run this money still will not compete with the success of such teams as the Manchester's of England, PSG of France, The big two of Spain, and other clubs with deep pockets on a billionaire budget.

It is argued that The Portuguese Liga NOS is a top-five league at best within Europe but it is not just Benfica who is benefiting from the NOS deal the whole league and all of the team's involved the big three or bottom three will benefit from this deal. 

I'm all for spending money responsibly as my Mom used to say in Portuguese "Quem  não paga,  não devo" (Who pays, doesn't owe) However, in a scenario in which Benfica no longer have debt and can afford to spend "impulsively" or "irresponsibly" Benfica have plenty of options other then paying off debts or investing in the youth system at The Seixal.  

Perhaps we will see the return of all of the players constantly talk about returning to Benfica they will finally put their money where their mouth is (literally. All of the players that periodically post on social media claiming that they would love to return to "O Glorioso"David Luiz, Javi Garcia, Axel Witsel, Nemanja Matic, Angel Di Maria, Oscar Cardozo etc.

We may even see the return of such a retired players as Pablo Aimar, Javier Saviola, Nuno Gomes, and my personal favorite Pedro Mantoras, Let's face it wit $400 million Euros part of that buy a new pair of legs with that kind of money. The super sub is only 34 I'm sure he can last another 2-3 years and repeat the 2005 championship season with his new set of magic legs.

Just like any business, in order to make money you need to spend money. So with this money Benfica will see over time they should invested wisely so that they can reap the rewards for the future.

400 million can also save Portugal the nation that is an economic turmoil divide 400 million by 10 million people and hopefully help Portugal bounce back on their feet financially in time.What a story that would be Benfica saves Portuguese Soccer and Portugal.

400 million can also buy you the best coaches in the world. Let's say Benfica want to continue a "Made in Benfica" team for the future. If you want to have a starting 11 of mostly local brought up players you need a larger than life coach with a great resume who can produce results. 

I'm sure if you show Jose Mourinho an above average salary, he may reconsider coming back to Portugal and coaching the team who ironically enough let him go during the Presidential change. Mourinho loves a challenge and what better challenge then not only winning the Portuguese league but being the first coach in history to win the Champions League for Benfica. I'm sure if this was guaranteed Benfica would donate 20 million a year to his salary to achieve this goal.

Now we must not forget that Benfica is a sports club that goes beyond soccer. Improving the overall facilities of all of the other sports teams would definitely bring up moral with all members of all the sports teams and paying members (socios around the world) affiliated with this club.Better volleyball,l track and field basketball, facilities. Continuing to invest in modern technologies and equipment and continuing to train existing coaches and attract better coaches to the club. 

I can't speak for everyone but I know from my experience I have had a hard time getting through to the offices of Benfica whether it was to buy merchandise, tickets or just a general question as a socio. I'm not sure if it is a staffing issue but perhaps improving customer service to better the needs of all the socios and Benfica supporters from all over the world. Possibly an increase of wages to internally satisfy the financial needs of the staff to better deliver a good finished product. It's like a car you need a well oil machine and all of the different parts need to be in functioning order if only part of the vehicle is well-maintained it will not function properly. 

More money means more exposure means more people willing to do business for foreign investment and local investment. Everyone will want to associate their business with this club. How many companies, business', and products around the world advertise with the Manchester's, Arsenal, Real Madrid, PSG and other "Billionaire clubs"? why? because they're a big name and big names create big revenue.

Also if a team like Benfica can now afford better wages as opposed to decent wages for star players, then they will most likely stay at Benfica instead of leaving for greener pastures for a big payback. Look at all of the players who left to Chelsea, Russia and Valencia over the past few years, had Benfica increased their salaries would they not want to stay at a club where they were worshipped? Fans still cry over David Luiz and Javi Garcia would they not stay if the price was better? Benfica players will no longer have to go outside of the Luz because Benfica will have deeper pockets that they will be able to hold onto player for longer periods of time. 

Again 400 million can buy you a lot it won't necessarily by championships just look at Manchester City,and PSG, who are two of the wealthiest teams in the world and even though they do well in their domestic leagues they are still without the champions league. Their time will come as their pockets become deeper and their investors and investments continue to grow for these clubs  and hopefully Benfica will be no different.

Jiménez vs Mitroglu

If you were only allowed to keep one of these Benfica strikers to continue on at the club who would you choose between Raúl Jiménez and Kostas Mitroglu?

Although, Jonas has been Benfica's (and the Liga NOS) top Talisman with 18 goals in 18 league matches, both Jiménez and Mitroglu have contributed their fair share of goals this season for the Eagles. 

After a loan deal to West Ham gone wrong, Raúl Jiménez missed his flight to London and found himself taking the advice of his agent Jorge Mendes as he signed a five year contract to Benfica. Benfica purchased Raúl Jiménez for 1 Million Euros while acquiring 50 per cent of the players rights for 3 Million, and with an agreement to share the player's salary with his former club Atletico de Madrid. While at Atletico during the 2014/15 season Raúl  played in 21 league matches where he scored 1 goal. Prior to his arrival in Spain, Raúl played 3 season with Mexican side America where he scored 36 goals in 96 matches. 

During the 2015/16 season Raúl has 6 goals and 4 assists in 26 games in all competitions. Raúl was a big saviour during the Group stages of the UEFA Champions League in which he netted an impressive brace away to Astana during a 2-2 match. Raúl has 3 goals in the Liga NOS and 1 goal in the League Cup.  In total he has played 1114 minutes this season. 

After having a successful loan season previously to his former club Olimpiacos, 27 year old Striker Kostas Mitroglu joined Benfica on a season long loan with Benfica (with an option to buy) until June 2016. It was rumoured during the pre-season that Sporting CP were interested in Mitroglu but when Benfica showed interest in the 40+ caped Greek International he "Did not think twice" 

(“Nem pensei duas vezes”)

Although Mitroglu has been considered a failure since his move from Olimpiacos to English Premier League side Fulham originally in 2014, he managed to score 19 goals in 32 league games during his loan at Olimpiacos, Mitroglu has adopted the name "Mitro Golo" in his short time this season at Benfica. He has scored 10 goals and assisted 2 goals in 26 games in all competitions and in total has played 1523 minutes. 7 of those goals are in League matches, 2 in Champions League, 1 in the Portuguese Cup. Mitroglu is Benfica's second best scorer this season. 

It does not look like Raúl will be leaving Benfica anytime soon since he has just arrived for 5 years but if there was an option the numbers speak for themselves. Mitrogolo should remain at the club and Benfica should go ahead and pursue the option to buy even they need to pay his estimate worth of approximately 9 million €. 

Benfica does have other forwards on loan and several future "Made In Benfica" prospects as options, however Mitroglu is still at a great age of 27 and still has a lot to offer in his career. There may also be a possibility that Raúl at age 24 may develop into a top player as he beats Mitroglu in stamina and can play a full 90 minute game at full speed. 

Based on the current numbers Mitroglu is the best choice as of right now but as he gets older in 3-5 years, Raúl will still be younger and Mitroglu may possibly become less fit or injury prone then as of right now, 

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.