Benfica: A Change Of The Guard

If you look at the last 30 or so years in The Portuguese Liga, you will notice that since Benfica's last back to back championship winning seasons of 1982/83 and 1983/84, FC Porto have endured greater success by  dominating the domestic league and a few UEFA championships under their belt. This is something as Benfica fans that we do not wish to accept or acknowledge especially since FC Porto is now the biggest rival to Benfica in modern day football in Portugal.(Lisbon derby is still historic and meaningful but more on the line during "O Classico")

In the last 30 years, SL Benfica have won 8 league titles putting them at 34 league titles. FC Porto, in 30 years have won 20 league titles putting them at 27. Sporting Lisbon have won twice and Boavista won their only league title during the 2000/01 season. FC Porto have often won back-to-back titles in the last 30 years. They have also won 4 even 5 straight consecutive league titles, something in which no other team has ever done. (Benfica has won the quadruple but never the quintuple) At the time of FC Porto's reign of 5 consecutive league titles they had Mario Jardel who scored 125 goals during his 4 seasons at Porto and an evil mastermind with the initials PDC who did whatever he had to go to keep the team from the North of Portugal on top. Benfica always pushed to win the titles and although they had great talent, they had terrible finances and a different type of President then Porto. Porto's PDC would launder money to benefit his team, but João António de Araújo Vale e Azevedo laundered money to benefit his own pockets instead of helping Benfica.

With all that has happened in the Portuguese Liga in the last 30 years, there is something special going on. The Big 3 of Portugal continue to exist but it appears as though that Benfica (although always the most liked, and supported team in Portugal) is now overpowering FC Porto in all competitions. If you look at the last 10 encounters in all competitions (staring March 20, 2012) that Benfica have played FC Porto, Benfica have won 3 times, drawn 2 times and lost 5 times. Although this may not appear to be the most favourable results, it is a step up between year 2006-2009 in which Benfica could not beat FC Porto home or away. Beating FC Porto at least once during the season (for the past 3 seasons) is better then preparing for a loss or an out right beating (November 7th, 2010) During this time, it was expected that regardless as to whom Benfica would field in their starting 11 they were expected to lose. Occasionally they would tie and very few times would they be victorious. (http://fussball.wettpoint.com/en/h2h/932-935.html)

Benfica Socios 

As mentioned on NOTÍCIAS BENFICA: Benfica 10h 07-04-15 by Portuguese Journalist Jose Nuno Martins it is confirmed that SL Benfica are still the most supported club in the world with just over 270, 000 registered supporters or "Socios". Although, I have not been alive long enough to remember the 60's and 70's a time in which Benfica dominated the Portuguese league and put Portugal on the UEFA and world map, has there ever been a time in which SL Benfica were not the most talked about and supported team in Portugal? It just so happens that since the Guinness Book of World Records has documented this record, Benfica continues to grow and grow. It was at my first Benfica game just shortly after this record was published in which I remember discussing with a fellow Luso Canadian Benfica fan as to how much greater the club would be financially if we reached 300, 000 and now almost a decade later we are at approximately 275, 000. Just think of it in these terms

300, 000 people paying 100 Euros annually = 30M annually

That is just one of many sources of revenue generated to Benfica. In North America recently, Benfica fans were finally allowed to subscribe to Benfica TV. This investment is just as important as the annual club fees because not only are you still supporting the club financially but you have access to all of the club's sports teams and information directly from the club that may not be actually portrayed online,

More investment to Benfica (see also Fly Emirates deal) means better players, means better player development, means better facilities, means many different factors to better this club. If the annual Benfica financial statements did not take so long to read I would like to know more about all sources of revenue. 

Contributing Factors To The "Bi - Campeonato" of 2014/15

After a long season, SL Benfica have finally clinched their 34th League Championship. It is their first back-to-back "Bi-Campeonato" since the 1983/84 when Benfica was coached by Sven Goran Erikson. A goalless draw in Guimaraes alongside a 1-1 result during the Belenenses vs FC Porto match was enough to give the Eagles what they have worked so hard for during the 2014/15 season and that is winning the Liga Nos Championship. Benfica fans around the world celebrated day through night and continue to celebrate this historic occasion. Being a supporter of this club for quite sometime, I was now able to enjoy the moment in witnessing a back-to-back championship as I was barley alive during their last  "Bi-Campeonato"

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

There may very well be 34 reasons as to why Benfica were able to win the "Bi-Campeonato" but here are 6 important factors which led to Benfica's 2014/15 titles winning season.

1) Jorge Jesus

- Although JJ was a lot less tame throughout this season, he still continued to do what he does best and that is coach Benfica. At the start of the season, Benfica was criticised for selling practically their entire squad and with SCP and FCP making big changes to their coaching staff and squad, many predicted that it was Benfica's title to lose. JJ was able to take his existing squad of such veterans as Maxi, Luisao, Nico Gaitan and turn such new players as Julio Cesar, Tallisca, Eliseu, Jonas, Pizzi and develop them all into key success stories of the season. JJ had the respect of the players, the organisation and of the fans. Although there was an early elimination of UEFA competitions and the Portugal Cup, winning the title back-to-back was the most important goal in which he was able to accomplish. Based on his performance JJ deserves to stay at Benfica because as of right now, there is no coach greater then JJ in Portugal for the Portuguese League. 

2) The Fans

- There is a reason as to why Benfica have not lost a League home match since matchday #20 of the 2011/12 season (March 2, 2012 3-2 to FC Porto) Benfica has some of the most loyal fans in the world, Benfica continues to hold the record with most supported registered fans in the world "sócio" with over 275, 000. At a time in which the economic crisis of Portugal continues, Benfica's fans continue to have something positive to look forward to home and away. There were approximately 4000 fans who were at Guimaraes to witness Benfica win their 34th league title. During other important matches such as the Lima brace against FC Porto at the Estadio Do Dragao. The away games at Braga, Sporting, wherever Benfica plays it's fans are there.  

3) The Media Good & Bad

- The Media has always played a role in Benfica's success this year. Whether it was the live broadcasting of JJ's sometimes comical press conferences, the excellent broadcasting of Benfica TV who only recently became available in North America, or such tabloid blundering from SIC, O Record, or any other "Anti-Benfica" media coverage, good or bad as the saying goes "Any advertising good or bad is still advertising."

4) The President

- After almost 12 year as Benfica's President, Luis Filipe Viera continues to prove to the fans that he is the right man for the job. The Seixal, Benfica TV are just a few of the many examples of LFV continued success at the club. 

5) Not Losing To FC Porto

- Very rarely over the last few decades can Benfica hold their head up high and go an entire season without losing a game to FC Porto. A draw is a favourable result which occured on April 26 (scoreless) but an unfavourable result occurred on December 13, 2014 when Benfica defeated FC Porto 2-0. A victory away to FC Porto rarely occurs especially in league competition when a precious 3 points were gained allowing Benfica to continue in first place. A position in which they constantly remained at since Match day #5. Defeating FC Porto gives an advantage in not only the standings but in a mental aspect. The team's confidence begins to glow and it almost makes Benfica believe that if they can beat FC Porto, (the supposed best team in Portugal) then they can beat any team in Portugal. 

6) Team Unity

- All in all when you look back at the 2014/15 season Benfica's players on and off the pitch had a real sense of unity. Luisao, Maxi, the veteran team mates were able to welcome such new talents as Tallisca, and Jonathan Rodriguez into the squad. Jonas, and Julio Cesar looked as though they have been a part of Benfica for several seasons by their celebrations and interviews. It appears as though Benfica is one big happy family which was a point in which several of the Benfica wives and family emphasized during the title win in Guimaraes. 

Benfica Sempre

Somos liberdade, somos raça e ambição
Somos lealdade, somos força e coração
Somos um por todos e todos por um
Somos como mais nenhum
Somos vontade, somos crença e paixão
Somos amizade, somos tempo e tradição
Somos muito mais que aquilo que se diz
Somos a bandeira de um país
Benfica,
Benfica,
Benfica sempre!
Benfica,
Benfica,
Benfica sempre!
Temos a esperança a força e o saber
Temos confiança, temos o poder
Temos a vontade e a pressa de chegar
Temos asas para voar
Temos um passado, um presente e um futuro
De branco e encarnado, a força de um muro
Somos a glória, somos a fé
Somos slb!
Benfica,
Benfica,
Benfica sempre!
Benfica,
Benfica,
Benfica sempre!
(slb, slb, slb, slb, slb, slb, slb, slb)
Benfica,
Benfica,
Benfica sempre!
Benfica,
Benfica,
Benfica sempre,
Sempre!
Somos liberdade, somos raça e ambição
Somos lealdade, somos força e coração
Somos um por todos e todos por um
Somos como mais nenhum
Somos vontade, somos crença e paixão
Somos amizade, somos tempo e tradição
Somos muito mais que aquilo que se diz
Somos a bandeira de um país
Benfica,
Benfica,
Benfica sempre!
Benfica,
Benfica,
Benfica sempre,
Temos a esperança a força e o saber
Temos confiança, temos o poder
Temos a vontade e a pressa de chegar
Temos asas para voar
Temos um passado, um presente e um futuro
De branco e encarnado, a força de um muro
Somos a glória, somos a fé
Somos slb!
Benfica,
Benfica,
Benfica sempre!
Benfica,
Benfica,
Benfica sempre!
(slb, slb, slb, slb, slb, slb, slb, slb)
Benfica,
Benfica,
Benfica sempre!
Benfica,
Benfica,
Benfica sempre!
Sempre!

Composição: Miguel Gameiro

Benfica UEFA Youth League 2014/15

Although Benfica's senior team have been eliminated from all UEFA competitions this season, Benfica's Youth Team (aka Benfica U19 or The Juniors) have advanced from the group stages and onto the round of 16 in this year's competition. Once again, Benfica's Youth Team has shown a lot of promise in the second annual UEFA Youth League. Benfica won their group finishing with 13 points with an impressive 4-1-1 record.

Benfica's Youth Team coach João Tralhão, has been a contributing factor to this team. In a recent interview on January 6, 2015 O Record he commented during the group stages of the Youth League.

"Each game is important for us to win and to get three points. We want to finish the first leg without loses, and with  one tie." - João Tralhão during Benfica's group stages of the UEFA Youth League

During last year's UEFA Youth competition, Benfica made it to the finals undefeated until they lost 3-0 to Barcelona. For Benfica fans it was disappointing losing yet another UEFA final but still a proud moment in which will be recorded in the history books. Benfica's next opponent will be Liverpool on February 24, 2015 16:00 at the Seixal. Although Liverpool was unable to win their group, they came in second behind Real Madrid and went through on head to head with 12 points against Basel.

Unlike the UEFA Champions League, the Youth League is played on only one leg after the group stages. If after 90 minutes the match is tied, penalty shoot outs will decide the winner. This is the second year of the competition and other then bragging rights amongst Europe, the Youth League gives an opportunity to showcase the future talents of tomorrow.

One of the competitions top goal scorers is 18 year old forward Jerome Sinclair who has scored 6 goals in 6 games during this competition. Benfica's midfield Gilson Costa has scored 3 goals in 5 games and forward Romário Baldé (who has now advanced to the B Team) also has 3 scored 3 goals in 6 matches. Benfica's goalkeeper André Ferreira has played 4 games in the competition and although he has yet to have a clean sheet, Ferreira has made an impressive 15 saves (3 more then Liverpool's Ryan Fulton)

This past weekend was the start of the second half of the Juniores A Under 19 season and Benfica drew 1-1 to CD Nacional with a goal from Alfa Semedo in a Jardel - esque type of goal scoring in the 90" + 5". Such key players of the match included; André Ferreira (GK) Yuri Ribeiro (RB) Gilson Costa (CDM or CM) and Kevin Oliveira (CM) are only a few players who stood out during the game.

The play maker and leader in assists for Benfica in this competition has been 17 year old midfield Renato Sanches who has 4 assists in 5 appearances. Also 17, João Carvalho has 4 assists in 6 appearances. Liverpool's Sergi Canós has 3 assists in 5 appearances and has represented Spain in the U-17 European Championship.

As of right now it appears that Manchester City has the best overall record in the competition. They dominated their group by winning all 6 matches. Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Ajax advanced from their groups with an impressive 15 points. Whereas such teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, FC Schalke and even Arsenal did well in their groups and  can easily finish the competition with silverware.

Benfica has their work cut out for them considering many of last year's key players have advanced to either the B Team, gone on loan spells, or in the case of Gonçalo Guedes landed a spot in Benfica's main squad. Although Guedes is registered on Benfica's UEFA Youth Squad, it is speculated that "O Mister" will not allow him to participate in this tournament.

Some of these games may be broad casted but for the most part of these matches you may need to stream. However, Benfica U 19 Home League matches at the Seixal are broad casted at Benfica TV.

 

O Menino Bernardo Ou Le Garçon Bernardo

 

 

 

It was announced on SL Benfica's website on January 16, 2015 that they will no longer be looking to signing any more new players for the remainder of the 2014/15 season. This news came one day after signing 19 year-old Hertha Berlin midfielder Hany Mukhtar. What SL Benfica did not emphasize on their website was that they are still entertaining the possibility of selling SL Benfica players until the end of the January transfer window.

 

It was announced this afternoon that 20 year-old midfielder Bernardo Silva was bought for approximately 16M to his loaned club AS Monaco. Bernardo Silva has been a Benfica player since the age of 8. Some may call it a good opportunity for Bernardo Silva, others call it good business.

 

Although Ligue 1 has big budgeted teams like AS Monaco, and PSG and such stars as Cavani, David Luiz, Berbatov and others to some soccer pundits it may be a step up from the Liga Portuguesa but according to the latest UEFA coefficients Portugal and it's league is ranked 5th place and closer to 4th whereas France and it's league is ranked 6th closer to 7th. In regards to club coefficient Benfica ranks 3rd whereas AS Monaco is 74th. AS Monaco may be ranked by a rich owner but Benfica is still the most supported club in the world with more registered supporters then any other team in the world. To say that Bernardo Silva went to AS Monaco as a step up from Portugal is preposterous. Although Benfica had a poor UEFA campaign this season, they are annual participants with 10 UEFA Cup Finals and 2 back-to-back Champions League. The argument that Bernardo may have joined AS Monaco to play Champions League Soccer is irrelevant since he would of played in next year's campaign. Overall Bernardo Silva did not join AS Monaco to improve his career. Bernardo Silva was loaned out to AS Monaco from SL Benfica as the beginning of this season with an option to buy. AS Monaco saw Bernardo's raw talent who has often been compared to the likes of Rui Costa and they pursued their option to buy.

 

Bernardo Silva spent most of his Benfica senior career playing for Benfica's B squad.  He debuted in Benfica B team's 2013/14 season coming on as a sub in the 62" for Rojas in a scoreless result  against C.D Trofense. He went on to become one of the B Team's most successful and talked about players. He  appeared in 38 matches and scored 8 goals. On October 19, 2013 he was given the opportunity to play 10 minutes in the Portuguese Cup game against Cinfães.  Benfica won this game 1-0. Bernardo Silva won several awards in Portugal including; "Player Of The Month" and was named the "2013/14 Breakthrough Player Of The Year" in the Segunda Liga. Bernardo Silva has often represented Portugal in the Under 19 and Under 21 competitions. He will most likely be called up to Portugal's senior team by the time Euro 2016 and World Cup 2018 come along.

 

It is no doubt that Bernardo Silva loves his boyhood team of Benfica. Anyone who follows him on social media knows that he loves Benfica. On the weekend of December 14, 2014 Bernardo tweeted about not only his first ever goal scored as a player for AS Monaco but seemed just as ecstatic to tweet about Benfica's impressive 2-0 away win against FC Porto a win which seems to happen once every few years. Just like the players he grew up watching such as Rui Costa, Nuno Gomes, Simao Sabrosa and many others who have come and gone in the past,  Bernardo Silva may very well return to his boyhood team sooner rather then later.

A Different Kind Of Classico

After a recent 1-0 away victory to Lisbon rivals Sporting CP, Benfica's B squad hosted "The Portugal Classico" at the Caixa Futebol Campus or "The Seixal" in Lisbon this past Sunday against FC Porto. Benfica B went into this Classico in 5th place with 35 points as FC Porto have climbed  up to 8th place with 32 points. Besides bragging rights (B Team's cannot be promoted or relegated)  the importance of this match is that both of Portugal's top teams are showcasing their future stars of tomorrow. Although Benfica B's stadium holds approximately 2720 people at capacity (not the 65,000 at the Luz), many Benfica fans were able to watch the game live on Benfica TV (Thank You Fubo.tv)

The Match

Benfica B were victorious in the Classico 3-2 over their rivals from the north. The game was intense from beginning to end. This match was not short of goals, posts, saves, and cards early on FC Porto was shown a red card to Rafa in the 12" allowing Gonçalo Guedes to capitalize on a PK giving Benfica the early lead. By half FC Porto had tied the game and was determined to defeat Benfica. In the second half FC Porto took the lead in the 52" but shortly after it was João Teixeira whose free kick lead to a finish by CB Fabio Cardoso making it 2-2. Cardoso would be the hero of the day as he netted his brace making it his third goal in two games, Benfica were up 3-2 in the 87" and at this point the crowd at The Seixal were going insane. Benfica's Renato Sanches who came on for Victor Andrade in the 68" was shown a red card in the 90 +2" Both teams would end the match with 10 players on the pitch but it was Benfica who held onto their 3-2 victory. 

Watching from a far it felt almost as if the B Team were playing in front of sold out crowd at The Luz. Somewhere out there Eusébio was watching over these kids with a smile on his face. Benfica's coach Jorge Jesus was present at the game making notes to himself and possibly chewing gum. Portugal's Under 21 coach was present as well scouting talent from both sides. 

(Match Highlights)

ABola

Changes

Earlier this week there were a few changes from the B Team that would effect Benfica's main squad. Captain Rúben Pinto was loaned out to Paços de Ferreira. (List of all Benfica B loans) Pinto has made 18 appearances for the B team this year scored twice and has 6 assists. As we all remember Pinto was part of a list of great talents that emerged at The Seixal. Nélson Oliveira (who was on that list) has been loaned out to Swansea City in which has allowed Jorge Jesus to call up former Arsenal Youth Product, Rui Fonte who was referred to as "The Best Portuguese Striker" by Benfica B coach Hélder Cristóvão. Fonte has 14 goals and 1 assist in 16 Benfica B team appearances this season. Another top goal scorer on the B Team is Helder Costa who has been loaned out until the end of the season to Gil Vicente a team in which Benfica supposedly has good relations with.

With Benfica TV becoming more accessible to fans from all over the world, it allows more opportunites for Benfica supporters to watch the B Team and the Juniors. This B team has been an exciting project since its reincarantion in 2006. The Juniors made history last year as being finalists in the first ever UEFA Youth League. Although, Benfica's main side may be out of UEFA competition, perhaps the Youth team can once again make an appearance in the finals for a second consecutive season.  In less then one year most of that Youth League team has graduated to not only the B Team but in the case of Gonçalo Guedes at 18 years of age he will not only see minutes of Benfica's main squad but is being looked at such reputable clubs as Bayern Munich and Arsenal. Benfica's B coach Hélder Cristóvão and Juniors coach João Tralhão have very important roles at Benfica and that is not to win titles but to continue to cement the foundation of this club. The "Mistica" of Benfica is eveident in these development teams. 

Tomorrow's Benfica

The Benfica of the next few years may or may not be greater then the Benfica of today. However, coach Jorge Jesus has always admitted to be fair when it comes to picking his team. He is not biased or unbiased to Portuguese players but simply picks the best players that he has available to him. Although some of his selections in the past can be questionable, it is without question that he cannot ignore all of the future prospects that are developing at Benfica. 

Here are a list of Benfica's B Team players whom I feel are strong enough to not necessarily start but be integrated into Jorge Jesus' main Benfica roster

Name: Bruno Varela

Age: 20 Years Old

Position: Goalkeeper

Been At The Club Since: 2011

With Paulo Lopes shortly retiring and Julio Cesar soon to follow, Benfica will need to replace their goalies. Bruno Varela is one of the main success stories of the B Team. Although he is only 20 years old, he has plenty of experience as he is now in his third consecutive season as Benfica B's goalkeeper and is currently a favorite choice in Portugal's U21 team.

Name: João Teixeira

Age: 20 Years Old

Position: Midfield

Been At The Club Since: 2012

Teixeira was one of the most talked about surprises during Benfica's 2014/2015 pre-season. He was featured in the Lisbon Cup, was featured in the friendlies against Marseille, Arsenal, and Valencia and contributed a goal against FC Sion. Teixeira can very easily play as an 8 or even a 6 type of midfielder. He would be a great addition as he is fierce in the midfield and has a great free kick as we saw on the weekend contributing to Fabio Cardoso's goal. 

Name: Victor Nilsson-Lindelöf

Age: 20 Years Old

Position: Centre Back

Been At The Club Since: 2012

Although not Portuguese Lindelöf will contribute to the list of Swedes to participate in Benfica's main roster. Although he is 1,87m in height, the 20 year old is mobile is just as quick at capturing balls in the air as he is in clearing the defensive line. He also scores the occasional goal Watch out Jardel and Steven Vitoria, Lindelöf may be an option sooner rather then later. 

Name: Fábio Cardoso

Age: 20 Years Old

Position: Centre Back

Been At The Club Since: 2012

Benfica has not had a quality Portuguese centre back in quite sometime. Although the likes of Miguel Vitor, Roderick Miranda, and Fábio Faria have come and gone, Cardoso although still very green possesses great qualities in becoming a future leader at Benfica. Cardoso is the B Team's version of Luisão. He wears his heart on his sleeve and through social media encourages support from fans and fellow team mates. Just prior to Sunday's Classico he posted this message on his Twitter page:

"Amanhã Benfica B vs Porto B, venham apoiar, mais um grande jogo, prometemos entrega total

como sempre. Comeonboys! Juntos somos mais fortes! " - @fcardoso04

Name: Pawel Dawidowicz

Age: 19 Years Old

Position: Midfield

Been At The Club Since: 2014

For his 19th birthday Pawel got the best birthday that any maturing footballer can ask for, a two year contract to one of the biggest clubs in the world Benfica. The 6 foot 2 midfielder was brought over from Polish side Lechia Gdańsk as a possible proper replacement for Nemanja Matić. He has played ten games for the Benfica B team and although he has yet to debute for Benfica's main squad, some possible minutes under Jorge Jesus may help develop his performance. 

There are dozens more who also deserve to be mentioned in the spotlight. In the recent issue of Benfica's Mistica magasine, there is an article on Diogo Gonçalves who is a 17 year old striker who plays not only on the Juniores Under 19 team but is a part of the UEFA Youth League squad. 19 year old full back Pedro Rebocho, 20 year old attacking midfielder Amorim, 18 year old forward Romário Baldé, it is a never ending list of young, raw talent. 

Seeing such players as Bernardo Silva on loan to AS Monaco, and Ivan Cavaleiro on loan to Deportivo De La Coruna demonstrates that Benfica's youth system works. These are players will be a vital part of not only the future of Benfica but of Portugal. President LFV in his interviews continues to emphasize a "Made In Benfica" main squad in which we may not necessarily have 11 players developed at The Seixal, but having 4 or 5 players continuing to Benfica's success not only gives the Benfica Nation a sense of pride but it is something for us to look forward to in the future. 

The reality is for the Big 3 in Portugal to survive they will continue to buy foreign players at a relatively low price and then sell for a greater profit. 20 year old Anderson Talisca has been recently known as Benfica's meal ticket because he was bought for approximately €4 million and will hopefully be sold for €15-20 million. Do that a few times a year to reduce debt or increase profit and teams like Benfica will be able to invest in new youth development facilities and technologies. 

Currently most of Portugal's youth teams are comprised of Benfica players. With most of The Selecção in their late twenties or well into their thirties, Portugal's World Cup Squad of 

2018 and 2022 needs to replenished and will feature younger players. Currently the most talked

about players representing Portugal are from Benfica (perhaps a few from the other Big 3) 

Portugal needs Benfica and their talented youth "Made In Benfica."

FC Porto 0 - SL Benfica 2 - 2014-12-14

There are those moments in our lives which will touch us forever and we will never ever forget for as long as we live. The birth of our children, a wedding day, or just any moment of celebration. For The Benfica Nation, each one of us throughout the world has their own special memory that has forever left a mark. Some remember the back to back Champions League victory of the 60's in which we saw a teenage African boy named Eusebio hoist the trophy. The famous Joao Pinto or Cardozo hat trick against Sporting. For other fans it could of been your first time watching a Benfica game in person at the Luz. Whether you are a new Benfica fan of 6, 16, or 76 years of age, anyone who is a fan and witnessed yesterday's game at The Estádio do Dragão in Porto will forever be touched by this historic result.

 

Personally, I will always remember this day because while I was watching this game in my hometown of Toronto, Canada I was amongst family out celebrating my parents 50th year wedding anniversary. Tears of joy, happiness, and an over abundance of emotions were a constant throughout the day. I could not believe that not only was I able to celebrate a milestone in my family, but I was at a restaurant celebrating with the people who I loved the most a rare victory from my "Glorious" team. I was like a kid in a candy store and could not ask for a better day.

 

AGAINST ALL ODDS

 

Going into this game, Benfica (although first place in the Portuguese League) were in poor spirits. They had just drawn a scoreless match at home against Bayer Leverkussen in their last (meaningless) game in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League. An early exit out of all UEFA competition's and a not so convincing first place performance in the league have left fans wondering if this team has what it takes to become repeat champions in the Portuguese League. Benfica has not won the double since 1982/83 and 1983/84 under the ruling of Swede Mastermind Sven-Göran Eriksson.

There were also fans, journalists, critics, who although supported Benfica did not believe that this team could beat the almighty Dragons of the north. Social media was rampant throughout the week as the league appointed ex - FC Porto socio Jorge Sousa to officiate the match up. This had every Benfica fan worried as FC Porto has been known in the past to influence the refs with bribes to achieve a favourable result.  Julien Lopetegui is the mastermind behind FC Porto who has brought in such talented players as Brahimi, and Christian Tello. FC Porto's 4-3-3 is no match for Benfica's 4-4-2. Even my Benfica brothers at Benfica Podcast all acknowledged on the pod leading up to the game that FC Porto's squad is far greater then Benfica's. I disagreed stated that Salvio, and Nico Gaitan would smoke any of FC Porto's wingers and that the only tactical formation Julien Lopategui would implement is "Tic Tac Toe not the infamous "Tiki Taka."

I knew I needed luck going into this game. So I brought out my lucky Benfica watch given to me by a man I love and respect just as much as my old man, my old lady's old man JMP. I also wore my lucky custom made "O Glorioso" Nike shoes (I know, some poor kids in Indonesia were exploited in making these shoes, but these kicks are ridiculous) that were given to me by my brother as a token for his appreciation for being the best man at his wedding a few years back. "With great power comes great responsibility" and I knew these lucky charms wouldn't work everytime but now I begin to imagine what the outcome of the game would be had I not had these lucky charms. I did my part the rest was all up to my team.

THE GAME

As the players came onto the pitch and I saw such players as Jardel, Samaris, and Lima all start for Benfica I was not as confident as I was earlier that day when I put on my lucky shoes and watch. Regardless, I knew a tie was not out of the question and unlike previous years Benfica went into this game away at Porto with a 3 point advantage. The pressure this time around was directed at FC Porto and not SL Benfica.

The first 30 minutes were not easy to watch as in any FC Porto vs Benfica "Classico." Leading League goal scorer Jackson Martinez set up Alex Sandro who was shut down by a tremendous save from Julio Cesar. This would be one of his very few saves throughout the match. It was no doubt at that very moment I felt that if Benfica were going to lose the game it would not be from our confident goal keeping abilities of Julio Cesar but of a mistake made at the defensive line (Jardel), or a favourable call from what we all thought was a corrupt referee.

In the 35" Maxi had a throw in which landed in front of Lima in which he was able to land passed Porto's GK Fabiano and into the back of the net it was now 1-0 and we were all in disbelief that Lima was able to score the opening goal in Benfica's most important game of the 2014/15 season. Lima a player who has been criticised this season for being out of form, and reluctant to score goals due to the fact that he no longer had such talents as Cardozo and Rodrigo helping him score goals. This would not be Benfica's only "fluke" goal as some of the FC Porto fans made comments at a nearby table, in the 55" Tallisca was stopped by Fabiano and it was Lima who yet again was able to counter and capitalize on the lose ball in front of the net making it 2-0 at the Dragão for Benfica? We could not believe what we were seeing. Aside from a few cup games in recent history Benfica have only been victorious at the Dragão once in almost an entire decade in league completion. It was Nuno Gomes who also netted a brace at the Dragão on matchday 6 October 15, 2005 (another great Benfica memory)

FC Porto were not lucky this past weekend and although they have tremendous talent, they were simply unable to come back against a dominant Benfica. How were Benfica dominant you may ask? Clearly coach Jorge Jesus did his homework and was able to cover up any lose holes in the midfield. Benfica attacked and unlike previous years were able to creat chances. Tallisca although did not score, his shot on net resulted in Lima getting the rebound goal. Enzo continues to show that he is a very important part of Benfica's midfield alongside Samaris who upon his arrival lacked confidence but is now starting to show that he was worth the 10M transfer fee that Benfica acquired him for.

Benfica may not have dominated in possession as FC Porto ended the game with 59% ball possession and  had more shots on target (4 vs 1) Benfica capitalize when it counted creating the result that they did and for once in a very long time they were well prepared and not afraid of losing points. It was FC Porto's chance to redeem themselves and prove that they are as great as everyone gives them credit for. Even after the game FC Porto coach is still convincing himself and everyone else that they will still win the 2014/15 Portuguese League. It is still early to celebrate and with 21 league matches to go anything is still possible.

GOING FORWARD

Losing to Benfica now gives Benfica an advantage over FC Porto not just with point advantages but with mindset. This was a  huge burden lifted off of Benfica' shoulders. Benfica go into 2015 confident with a 6 point lead but may still struggle against the likes of SC Braga, and Guimaraes who have been in excellent form. With no UEFA to worry about, Benfica need to be well prepared against every opponent to reclaim "the double" a memory in which the fans wish to experience over 30 years later.