Benfica tied last weekend for Portuguese League play against Setubal. The 1 – 1 tie dropped Benfica 9 points behind first place Porto. Luckily for us, Sporting would end up losing at Boavista, 2 to 0, later that day, and instead of catching up to Benfica on the second spot, actually fell three points back.
But the score wasn´t the worst thing coming out of this game. In the second half Katsouranis and Luisão almost got into a fight. I know in the States we are somewhat used to games where fight break-out among players, but in soccer its just doesn´t happen. But truth be told, there weren´t any punches thrown, far from it.
What happened though was bad enough for Camacho to remove both players from the field at the same time a few minutes later. Edcarlos and Mantorras came into the game, with Mantorras scoring Benfica´s goal a few minutes later. Setubal would however tie the game in the final minutes of play.
Benfica played a decent first half, with Christian Rodriguez being one of the best players on the field. Rodriguez would however leave the game at the 32 minutes mark, with pain in one of his legs. His injury didn´t however prove to be serious, and he is expect to be available for this weekend´s game. Di Maria came in for injured Rodriguez. Add to this the two other forced substitutions and Camacho didn´t have much room to work the bench.
With this tie it becomes clear that Benfica only has to worry about holding on to the second spot and forget about Porto, at least for the next few weeks.
After an interruption for Christmas and New Year celebrations, Benfica soccer is back this weekend. Benfica will be playing at Setubal at 19:15 on Saturday. Coming on the heals of a FC Porto loss before the break, this game has added importance. Although Porto still has a significant 7 point lead, it does allow for us Benfica fans to “dream” of still reaching the top spot.
January 1st also marked the beginning of the winter trading season. Camacho has indicated that Benfica has too many players and he would like to see some of them traded, or lent away during the break. Already on their wait out are Bergessio and Andrés Diaz. The first player will be an outright sale of the 50% stake Benfica has in his rights. Diaz on the other hand will be lent to another team for the time being.
Camacho has also indicated that he wants “several” new players, preferably starters.
This is one of the reasons that I am so against Camacho having come to Benfica. In the pre-season Benfica built, and spent, a lot of money on certain players, most of which are not to Camacho´s liking. If Benfica is forced to sell the rights to some of them now it will be most certainly at a financial loss.
The other possibility is that these players stay on the squad, but with Camacho´s new arrivals will be seeing very limited playing time. This is especially the case with Di Maria and Freddy Adu. Both of players cost Benfica a lot of money, are very young, and are potential stars. None of this will happen if Benfica goes out and buys two or three more “stars” that block the progression of these young players.
Since in terms of winning anything this season Benfica is headed for a disaster, lets just hope we don´t end up losing some of these young stars also.
I want to wish everyone a happy New Year!
This goes out especially to all soccer fans, and SL Benfica fans in particular.
May the New Year bring happiness, health, and of course lots of Benfica wins!
Once again happy New Year, have fun, and if you´re going to drive please don´t drink!
Last week Benfica beat Estrela 3 to 0 before Christmas break. This was the first victory for Benfica after two consecutive losses for Portuguese League play. This win also ended up being a lot more important than what was originally expected since Porto would lose its game.
The game was tied at the half, but Benfica would open the second half with an early goal by Christian Rodriguez at the 52 minute mark. Oscar Cardozo would score the second goal on a penalty shot, and substitute Nuno Gomes would close the scoring at the 90 minute mark. 
With a tie game, Camacho used the halftime break to take defense player Nelson and veteran Rui Costa, and put in Nuno Gomes and Di Maria. Maxi Pereira then moved from mid-field to Nelson´s spot. Benfica ended up playing a very good second half, after a weak first one.
At the 83 minute mark Freddy Adu came into the game to replace game MVP Rodriguez.
From what I read, Rui Costa was not happy with the fact he was substituted at halftime, and took issue with Camacho. I have also heard that they have meanwhile made peace. I hope that is the case, since Rui is one of the leaders in the locker room and Benfica needs stability going into the month of January, especially now that Porto´s lead has been cut to “only” 7 points.
