Tag: Benfica

1Mar By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Arsenal Is Moving In A Good Direction – Arteta After Defeating Leicester

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said his side are "taking a direction I like" after they followed up their Europa League win over Benfica with an impressive comeback victory at high-flying Leicester. Things started badly for a much-changed Gunners side, with poor defending allowing Youri Tielemens to run unchecked down the right before firing a low shot into the far corner with just six minutes played. Arsenal refused to be adversely affected, though, and took control of the game with impressive attacking intent and far greater fluency than Leicester. David Luiz headed them level from a free-kick before Alexandre Lacazette levelled from the penalty spot after the video assistant referee (VAR) judged that Wilfred Ndidi had blocked Nicolas Pepe's shot in the box with an outstretched a...

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26Feb By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Game Changer – Fabregas Hails Saka After Europa League Win

  Former Arsenal midfielder, Cesc Fabregas, singled out Bukayo Saka for praise after the Gunners defeated Benfica 3-2 in the Europa League last-32 second leg fixture on Thursday at Karaiskakis Stadium in Greece. Fabregas, who spent almost a decade at Arsenal, was impressed by Saka’s display against Benfica. The former Chelsea star described the England youngster as a “game-changer” after the match. A brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and a strike from Kieran Tierney ensured Arsenal qualified for the last-16 ahead of Benfica on 4-3 aggregate. Both teams had played a 1-1 draw in the first leg last week. Reacting, Fabregas wrote on Twitter: “Saka is such a good player. “Such a maturity and intelligence for his age. Game changer.” Meanwhile, Aubameyang belie...

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24Feb By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Arsenal vs Benfica: Arteta Names Player to Miss Europa League, Gives Update on Thomas Partey

  Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, has confirmed that centre-back, Rob Holding, will miss the Gunners’ Europa League last-32 second leg tie against Benfica on Thursday. Arteta also provided the latest injury update on Midfielder, Thomas Partey ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Benfica at the Karaiskakis Stadium. Arteta said Partey is ‘very close’ to a return from the treatment room. According to him, the Ghanaian international is in contention for the upcoming fixtures against Benfica and Leicester City on Sunday. Recall that Partey picked up an injury during Arsenal’s Premier League 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa at Villa Park earlier this month. “Thomas [Partey] is very close, he’s got a final test today in training, and if he is feeling good, he will be available,” Art...

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22Feb By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Arteta Gives Reasons For Shouting at Arsenal Players During 1-0 Defeat to Man City

  Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has explained why he was shouting a lot at his players from the touchline during their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday. Raheem Sterling’s header in the second minute proved to be the winner at the Emirates Stadium. Speaking after the game, Arteta defended his vocal approach, as Arsenal players struggled to create against City. “Every movement, every detail, every position is key. “The moment we don’t get it, they’re going to exploit it straight away and they are going to make you look like a poor team. “Probably I do it too much. I don’t know, but I think it’s very necessary for them that I give them guidance. I can see from the outside what they are going to do and when you are there at 100mph you lose a second or two and...

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22Feb By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Arsenal vs Benfica is a Final For Us – Arteta

  Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has said this week’s Europa League second-leg clash against Benfica is a “final”. Arteta was speaking to the media, after the Gunners suffered their 11th Premier League defeat of the season to Manchester City on Sunday. Raheem Sterling scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for the league leaders at Emirates Stadium, extending their winning run in all competitions to 18 matches. It is a result which leaves Arteta’s men facing an uphill task in qualifying for next season’s Champions League, as they are 11 points off the top four. The winners of the Europa League will secure automatic entry to the Champions League and Arteta has underlined the importance of that option with the tie finely poised at 1-1 after the first leg. “We have a fin...

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20Feb By dthataNo Comments

Sport

‘I Should Score’ – Pierre-emerick Aubameyang Apologises

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed one of the easiest chances he’ll ever find in Thursday’s 1-1 Europa League draw against Benfica, side-footing a first-half shot wide of an open net from just outside the six-yard box. The Gunners only mustered one goal despite creating abundant opportunities in front of net. The Gunners likely need to win the continental competition to qualify for the Champions League next year given their positioning in the domestic table, and they now face a tense second leg against their Portuguese opponent next week. Aubameyang has, however, apologised for his wastefulness on social media following the match. “We deserved better and I should Score couple goals today but still one Game to Go we keep going,” Aubameyang wrote on Twitter. Arsenal gaffer Mikel Arteta h...

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18Feb By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Benfica vs Arsenal: Arteta Names Player to Miss Europa League Clash

Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, has said that midfielder, Thomas Partey, will not feature for the Gunners when they take on Benfica in the Europa League round of 32 clash at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Thursday night due to injury. Arteta said this at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday. The Spaniard said Partey is still working his way back from a thigh injury, adding that he didn’t travel to Italy for the Benfica clash. Partey missed Arsenal’s 4-2 victory over Leeds United last Sunday. “Thomas didn’t travel,” Arteta said. “He’s not there yet, he’s still training individually.” Partey will also miss Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday. The Ghanaian international might be fit for the return leg with Benfica next week Thursday. ...

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15Feb By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Benfica vs Arsenal: Arteta Gives Fresh Injury Update on Partey, Tierney

  Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, has provided a fresh injury update on Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney ahead of his side’s Europa League round of 32 clash with Benfica at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Thursday night. Arteta said he was unsure whether either player would return to face Benfica on Thursday, adding that Tierney has got ‘a bigger chance’ of making the squad for the midweek match. Partey and Tierney both missed Arsenal’s Premier League 4-2 win over Leeds United on Sunday due to injury. Providing an update on both players, Arteta told a post-match press conference after Arsenal defeated Leeds, “It seems unlikely at the moment, but I don’t know. “Probably if there is one player who has got a bigger chance, it’s Kieran [Tierney]. “Probably in the next few...

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9Feb By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Europa League: Arsenal, Benfica Agree to Change Venue for Games

The two legs of Arsenal’s Europa League clash with Benfica this month will be played at a neutral venue in Rome, because of COVID-19 travel restrictions, according to The Evening Standard. The Gunners were initially scheduled to travel to Lisbon on February 18 for the first leg, with Benfica arriving at the Emirates a week later on February 25. However, government rules regarding travel between the UK and Portugal, means that can no longer happen. Arsenal and Benfica have now agreed to move both matches to a neutral venue free of travel restrictions. Mikel Arteta’s men will now travel to Rome instead, with the second leg also expected to be played in the Italian capital, although talks are still ongoing. The venue is likely to be the Stadio Olimpico, home to both Roma an...

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2Feb By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Arsenal vs Benfica Europa League Game Could be One-legged Tie

Arsenal’s round of 32 Europa League clash with Benfica, could be played as a one-off tie on a neutral ground, under new UEFA rules, the UK Mirror reports The two-leg tie is facing difficulties, because of the new COVID-19 rules in the UK that affects arrivals from Portugal. The rules would require Arsenal players and staff to quarantine for 10 days when they return from the first leg and also stop Benfica from entering the UK for the second leg. One solution would be for the game to be played at a neutral venue, a scenario UEFA’s competition regulations for the Champions League and Europa League knockout phases permit. Under rule K.1.8 of the respective competitions’ rule books, it states, “The UEFA administration has the right to assign an alternative venue for any particu...

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27Nov By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Tottenham 4-0 Ludogorets: Vinicius off the mark as Winks nets outrageous 54-yard lob

Two goals from Carlos Vinicius and a long-range strike from Harry Winks helped Tottenham to a big win over Ludogorets in the Europa League. Carlos Vinicius scored twice as Tottenham claimed a comfortable 4-0 win over Ludogorets and edged closer to a place in the Europa League knockout stage. Brazilian striker Vinicius, on a season-long loan from Benfica, netted for Spurs for the first time with two clinical finishes in a one-sided match on Thursday. But the pick of the goals belonged to Harry Winks, as a spectacular long-range effort drifted over Ludogorets goalkeeper Plamen Iliev from 53.7 yards, before Lucas Moura added a fourth with a crisp finish.

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6Nov By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Benfica 3-3 Rangers: Nunez levels it late as Gerrard’s men squander two-goal lead

  Benfica's Darwin Nunez scored in stoppage time to deny Rangers a 10th consecutive win in all competitions. Darwin Nunez scored a stoppage-time equaliser as Rangers squandered a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 at 10-man Benfica and see their 100 per cent start in Europa League Group D come to an end on Thursday. Steven Gerrard's side triumphed against Standard Liege and Lech Poznan in their opening two games, but they got off to a poor start at the Estadio da Luz as Connor Goldson diverted a low cross into his own net after just 60 seconds. They powered back before half-time, though, taking ruthless advantage of Nicolas Otamendi's straight red card for a professional foul through an own goal from Diogo Goncalves and a fine strike from Glen Kamara.

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3Oct By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Tottenham Complete Loan Signing Of Vinicius From Benfica

Tottenham have completed the signing of 25-year-old Brazilian striker Carlos Vinicius on a season-long loan deal from Benfica. As reported by Goal on Thursday, the deal contains an option for Spurs to sign him outright for £41 million ($53m) at the end of the season. Spurs will pay an initial loan fee of €3m, which would be deducted from the final price if Jose Mourinho decides to make his move permanent. *Vinicius was the joint-top goalscorer in the Primeira Liga in 2019-20, scoring 24 goals in 47 games in all competitions. Last season was a breakthrough campaign for him, after being signed from Napoli for €16m (£15m/$19m) following loan spells at Rio Ave and Monaco. Mourinho will be hoping Vinicius can provide competition and a much-needed rotation option for Harry Kane. Previou...

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13Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

‘I’m the same guy, the same principles’ – Mourinho says he has lost no passion after 20 years in management

The Portuguese coach says he sets his Tottenham Hotspur side out with the mentality that they want to win every game they play Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho insists that he has not lost his passion for management after 20 years at the top level. The Portuguese first managed with Benfica in 2000 then moved to Uniao de Leiria and Porto, where he won the Champions League, before switching to England. Successful spells at Chelsea and Inter followed, but his star began to wane at Real Madrid, where he won only one league title in three years at the club.

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5Jun By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Julian Weigl hit out at fans after Benfica’s team coach was attacked with stones

Benfica stars Julian Weigl and Andrija Zivkovic have assured supporters they are 'ok' but were 'really lucky' not to sustain further injuries after their team bus was attacked. The players were taken to hospital after the vehicle was stoned by angry fans - with individuals frustrated due to Benfica missing the chance to move clear of title rivals Porto at the top of the table. Benfica promptly slammed the actions of those responsible and Weigl has also lashed out at the fans involved in the unsavoury incident. The Portuguese giants were held to a 0-0 draw with Tondela, and some supporters gathered outside Estadio de Luz to urge their team on despite the clash taking place behind closed doors. The attack happened on a major motorway between the stadium and training ground, w...

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31May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona warned selling Semedo would be a ‘mistake’ as transfer talk surprises Helder

A man who previously worked with the defender at Benfica believes interest from the likes of Juventus, Inter and Manchester City should be shunned Barcelona have been warned that they would be making a “mistake” in parting with Nelson Semedo, with mounting transfer talk coming as a surprise to former Benfica coach Helder Cristovao. It has been suggested that the 26-year-old full-back could be among those deemed surplus to requirements at Camp Nou in the next window. Various landing spots have been mooted for Semedo, with Juventus, Inter and Manchester City all said to be in the mix.

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13May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Portugal’s Primeira Liga to return on June 4 from coronavirus suspension

Porto were a point clear of Benfica at the top of the table when the season was suspended, with each club having 10 fixtures still to play The Primeira Liga will return to action on June 4, the league has announced. Portugal's top flight has been on hold since March 12 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The country's Prime Minister Antonio Costa last month gave the go-ahead for the league to resume behind closed doors from May 30, and the league has now confirmed that it will begin play just days later.

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21Apr By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Roma winger Carlos Perez reveals Chelsea offer; hits out at Barcelona

Roma winger Carlos Perez has hit out at the way he was treated by Barcelona. Perez also revealed Chelsea wanted to sign him as a youth player. "It was a bit tough," said Perez. "I have a bad time of it, with my family at home. I didn't understand it. It hurt me more because of how I behaved with them for so many years. "After the year in the Segunda A I had offers from other clubs like Benfica but in the end I decided to stay in the Segunda B with Garcia Pimienta to try and make it to the first team. "And the next year was the same, I had offers, but I always said no, just as when I was in the youth categories, teams like Chelsea, offering a lot of money. I never left, I preferred to stay there." He added: "I'm grateful for Barca because everything I learned there helped me ...

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3Feb By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Joao Felix Is A Fine Player, But He’s At The Wrong Club – Van Der Vaart

Atletico Madrid’s style of play under Diego Simeone is not suited to the young playmaker, according to a former Real Madrid star Atletico Madrid starlet Joao Felix is a talented player but he’s playing for the “wrong club”, according to Rafael van der Vaart. Felix became the most expensive Portuguese player in history when he completed a £113 million ($148m) switch from Benfica to Wanda Metropolitano back in July. The 20-year-old emerged as one of the brightest prospects in European football at Estadio da Luz last season, scoring 19 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions. His performances attracted attention from some of the world’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain, but Atletico ended up winning the ...

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27Nov By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Joao Felix Beats Haaland & Sancho To Win 2019 Golden Boy

Tuttosport has today released the XVII edition of the Golden Boy which will see the winners receive the award on Monday 16 December in Turin, on the Gala evening with over 200 guests at the Ogres. Director Xavier Jacobelli announced that The Golden Boy was won by striker Joao Felix of the Atletico Madrid. The Portuguese starlet received 332 votes, defeating the English Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund (175) and the German Kai Havertz of Bayer Leverkusen (75). In fact, 25 out of 40 voters chose Felix in the first place. Joao Felix himself, through a video, expressed his thanks to Tuttosport: "Thanks to Tuttosport for the Golden Boy 2019, I am very proud. It is the second time that a player from Atletico Madrid has won this award and I am happy. Thanks also to Benfica, in particul...

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7Nov By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Lyon striker Bertrand Traore’s house burgled during Champions League clash with Benfica

Burkina Faso striker, Bertrand Traore is the latest footballer to become a victim of burglary. The 24-year-old footballer was robbed of his belongings while playing for Lyon in their Champions League win over Benfica, police said on Wednesday, November 6, 2019. Authorities said they arrived at Traore's home at around 9.20 pm (2020 GMT) Tuesday to discover the front door forced open and that thieves had broken into a safe before fleeing the scene. According to the Lyon Mag website, a significant sum of money and luxury watches worth up to 300,000 euros ($332,000) were stolen from the property in the eastern Lyon suburbs. Traore who featured in the game at Groupama Stadium scored a late goal in a 3-1 victory for the French club.

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28Jul By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

AC Milan 0-1 Benfica: Aguias close on ICC title thanks to Taarabt strike

Benfica can now only be caught by Manchester United in the ICC, after Bruno Lage's side claimed a slender 1-0 win over AC Milan on Sunday. Adel Taarabt's deflected effort against his former side saw Benfica edge AC Milan 1-0 to maintain their 100 per cent record in the International Champions Cup and move top of the table. The entertaining contest in Massachusetts provided the Serie A side with a real test, but a combination of unimpressive finishing and fine goalkeeping from Odisseas Vlachodimos saw the Rossoneri fall short. Milan looked excellent at times in the first half and crafted a host of opportunities, but they were unable to find a way past the supreme Vlachodimos, who produced a string of impressive saves.

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27Jul By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Simeone plays down Atletico’s 7-3 rout over Real Madrid

The Rojiblancos manager attempted to downplay his team's demolition of their rivals in New Jersey on Friday. Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone tried to stay grounded Friday's stunning pre-season rout over Real Madrid. Atletico ran riot at the International Champions Cup after humiliating La Ligarivals Madrid 7-3 in New Jersey on Friday. Diego Costa scored a first-half hat-trick and four goals in total for Atletico, who led 5-0 at half-time, while Joao Felix netted his first goal since arriving from Benfica.

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18Jul By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Benfica postpone Perin transfer after Juventus keeper fails medical

The shot-stopper faces up to four months on the sidelines as his shoulder injury was discovered to be more serious than previously thought Benfica has confirmed that they will not be completing the signing of Juventus goalkeeper Mattia Perin in the current transfer window due to a failed medical. Perin, 26, had been set to join the Portuguese giants this week following a single season in Turin. The two clubs agreed on a fee worth a reported €15 million (£13.5m/$16.8m), with Perin himself describing the opportunity as an "exciting adventure".

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16Jul By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

I was born to score goals, says new Real Madrid striker Jovic

The 21-year-old's goal record at Eintracht Frankfurt impressed enough to earn a move to the Spanish capital this summer Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic believes he was born with a natural instinct for scoring goals. The 21-year-old striker made a €70 million (£62m/$79m) move to Real Madrid this summer after impressing in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt. The Serbia international rose to stardom with Red Star Belgrade before being sold to Benfica in 2016.

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11Jul By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Atletico Madrid continue recruitment drive with €8m Saponjic capture

The forward has arrived from Benfica on a three-year deal as the Rojiblancos prepare for the likely departure of Antoine Griezmann. Atletico Madrid have signed Serbia Under-21 striker Ivan Saponjic from Benficaon a three-year contract, the club have announced. Neither club disclosed the fee paid for the 21-year-old but the deal is reported to be worth in the region of €8 million (£7.1m/$9m). A physically imposing forward, Saponjic will provide an extra attacking option for coach Diego Simeone alongside Diego Costa, Alvaro Morata and record signing Joao Felix, who also arrived from Benfica for €126m (£113m/$141m).

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27Jun By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Joao Felix Joins Atletico Madrid In €126m Deal –

Benfica have confirmed a €126 million ($143m) bid placed on 19-year-old attacker Joao Felix by Atletico Madrid, according to a document that was sighted. If the bid is accepted, Felix would become the third-most expensive player of all time behind Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, (€180 million). He'd just surpass Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele, who joined Barcelona for an initial €120 million and €105 million, respectively.

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12Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Atletico Madrid ready to fight Man City in race to sign teen sensation Joao Felix

The Rojiblancos believe that the promise of more first-team minutes will persuade the Portugal international to move to the Spanish capital Atletico Madrid are ready to fight Manchester City in the battle to sign Benficawonderkid Joao Felix. Goal can confirm that Atletico are hopeful of convincing the Portugal international that he will earn more first-team opportunities at Wanda Metropolitano than with the Premier League champions. Felix has broken onto the scene during the last year, scoring 20 goals and laying on 11 assists in 43 matches across all competitions for Benfica, with a number of Europe's top clubs reported to now be interested in the 19-year-old.

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6Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Uncategorized

My appetite for football is huge’ – Sevilla star Corchia hungry for new challenge

The 28-year-old France defender has been told he can leave by the Liga side and is excited about what lies ahead after a year at Benfica Sevilla star Sebastien Corchia has admitted that he does not know where his future lies next season. The 28-year-old, who has previously been the subject of interest from the likes of Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, spent last term on loan at Benfica only for his campaign to be blighted by injury. The Portuguese giants opted not to take up the purchase option on his deal, leaving Corchia heading back to Spain and seeking a new challenge.

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1Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Kanu Reacts To Death Of Former Arsenal Teammate, Reyes

Former Arsenal striker, Kanu Nwankwo, has reacted to the death of ex-teammate, Jose Antonio Reyes. Spanish club, Sevilla confirmed Reyes’ death in a car crash at the age of 35. Reyes died in a tragic accident recorded at 1140 hours on the A-376 motorway, from Seville to Utrera on Saturday. The former Real Madrid and Sevilla forward was on the books of Extremadura when he passed away. He also played for Arsenal, Atlético Madrid and Benfica, and won the Europa League five times with his Spanish clubs. The news of his death left the footballing world in shock and many footballers. Kanu posted on Instagram, ”I am devastated by this sad news, Reyes was a gentleman. “May his soul rest in peace. @arsenal #arsenal #coyg #premierleague #spain #london #rip.”

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16May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Real Madrid ‘complete signing of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Luka Jovic in £52.4million deal’

Spanish club, Real Madrid have reportedly completed the signing of Serbian and Eintracht Frankfurt striker, Luka Jovic for £52.4million.   According to Sky in Germany, the 21-year-old signed a five-year contract with the Spanish giants, which will earn him £43.7m (€50m) in total a year.   Frankfurt will pay Jovic's former club Benfica around £10.5m of the transfer fee.   The striker joined Frankfurt on loan from Benfica in the summer and last month the Bundesliga club exercised their option to make the move permanent.   Jovic has scored 17 goals in 31 Bundesliga appearances this season and 10 more in the Europa League.   The signing of Jovic would bring the number of new additions to Zinedine Zidane's squad for the 2019/20 season to th...

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4May By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Real Madrid Secures Signing Of Luka Jovic In £51m Deal With Frankfurt

Real Madrid believe they have closed the signing of Serbian international Luka Jovic, with forward Mariano Diaz likely to move in the opposite direction. Diario AS reported that Madrid will pay €60million (£51m) for the 21-year-old with €48m (£40.8m) going to Eintracht Frankfurt and €12m (£10.2m) going to Benfica, who still own a percentage of the player’s rights. Diaz will not move in exchange but in a separate transfer that will take the financial sting out of Madrid’s second signing after they secured defender Eder Militao from Porto. Barcelona had taken an interest in Jovic but withdrew from the race to sign him because of the price. Jovic has impressed all season with 26 goals in 44 games and he scored against Chelsea in Frankfurt's Europa League semi-final first leg o...

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19Apr By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Europa League: Football Fan Travels For 28 Hours To The Wrong Match Venue

Alvaro Oliveira, a Benfica fan, went to Frankfurt an der Oder rather than the main city of Frankfurt, where their Thursday night's Europa League opponents Eintracht Frankfurt play. Imagine heading out on a 28-hour road trip just to see your team play, only to find out when you 'get there' you're actually six hours away from where they're playing. His initial excitement for the journey via Paris was shared through his Instagram Story. But, with the help of social media users, he soon realised they were over 600km away from the stadium. He wasn't best pleased. After Eintracht Frankfurt posted "Hi" in his comments, even he began to see the funny side, writing: "We're now famous... for being stupid." To make matters worse, he went through all that trouble and effort only ...

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12Apr By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Arsenal Beat Napoli, Chelsea Win

Arsenal defeated Napoli 2-0 on Thursday night, to secure decent advantage for Unai Emery’s men, ahead of the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash. The Gunners were favourites to win the first leg at the Emirates and dominated the Serie A side from start to finish. Aaron Ramsey opened scoring after a fine team move, before Lucas Torreira’s shot cannoned off Kalidou Koulibaly into his own net. Although Arsenal had a host of chances after the break, they failed to add to their tally. In other fixtures, Chelsea won 1-0 at Slavia Prague, Benfica played out a six-goal thriller with Frankfurt, winning 4-2. Valencia also won 3-1 at Villareal.

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7Mar By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Rennes fight back to stun 10-man Arsenal in Europa League

Arsenal face a major battle if they are to reach the Europa League quarter-finals after a 3-1 defeat away to Rennes in France on Thursday, despite Alex Iwobi putting the Gunners ahead early on. Iwobi gave the Premier League side the perfect start in this last 16, first leg at a raucous Roazhon Park, but the match hinged on the sending-off of Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos four minutes before half-time. Benjamin Bourigeaud equalised moments later, and the hosts’ second-half pressure paid off as a Nacho Monreal own goal put Rennes ahead before Ismaila Sarr’s late header gave them a two-goal cushion in the tie. Unai Emery’s side must now turn the tie around in the second leg in London next Thursday if they are to progress any further in a competition which represents thei...

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26Feb By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Onyekuru Not Losing Sleep Over Goal Drought in Turkey

Super Eagles forward Henry Onyekuru has revealed that he is not losing sleep over his current goal drought as he insists he is working hard and believes the goals will trickle in soon. Henry Onyekuru The Nigerian international has gone eight games without a goal in all competitions including the Turkish Super Lig, the Turkish Cup and the UEFA Europa League games against Portuguese side Benfica. Onyekuru last scored for Galatasaray in their 6 – 0 home thrashing of Ankaragucu on the 19th of January where he scored a hat-trick netting his goals in the 21st, 59th and 63rd minute of the game. The Nigerian, on loan from English side Everton FC has been one of the club’s top performers this season and will be hoping to continue with the team pending when his work permit will be re...

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29Jan By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Benfica Women Team Scores 293 Goals And Concedes 0 after playing 16 Matches

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11Jan By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Mourinho Returns To Football As BeIN Television Pundit

Jose Mourinho has secured his first job since being sacked as Manchester United coach after joining BeIN Sports as a pundit, the broadcaster announced on Thursday. ‘The Special One’ will be an analyst for Chelsea’s Premier League trip to Arsenal on January 19 as well as Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s Asian Cup group-stage tie on January 17 on the Qatari channel’s broadcasts in the Middle East and North Africa. He was sacked by United in December after the club’s worst start to a season since 1990 and won three trophies during his two-and-a-half year tenure at Old Trafford. “Jose is one of the greatest football managers of all time, and we hope that his expert analysis and charismatic personality will be enjoyed by our millions of viewers,” a beIN spokesman said in a statement. Mo...

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10Jan By dthataNo Comments

Sport

“I Have No Plans To Work In Portugal” – Jose Mourinho Rules Out Benfica Return

Former Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho has ruled out a return to coaching at Benfica. The 55-year-old was sacked by Manchester United on December 18 just days after the club lost 3-1 against Liverpool. MySportDab report despite winning three trophies at United, Jose Mourinho struggled to keep his Manchester United team in the top four and lost his job. Ever since his exit at United, Mourinho has been linked with a return to Real Madrid in Spain and jobs in Portugal. "I do not like feeding news stories, but I have no intention of working in Portugal," Jose Mourinho told Correio da Manha TV. "The best way to respect a great club [Benfica] and a great president is to say that I was not approached." Quizzed on whether he could see himself back in La Liga or Serie A,...

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5Jan By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Mourinho’s Next Job Revealed

Jose Mourinho could be set for a quick return to management, with Benfica reported to be considering his appointment. Despite back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017, Benfica fired manager Rui Vitoria on Thursday, after a poor run of results which sees them sit seven points behind leaders Porto in fourth spot. According to The Times, Benfica are considering re-hiring Mourinho for the remainder of the season, to fill Vitoria’s void and help steady the ship in the second half of the 2018/2019 campaign. Benfica was the first club that Mourinho managed, taking the helm at the Águias between September and December in 2000. He won six of his 11 games while in charge, drawing three and losing two.

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4Jan By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Benfica Sack League Winning Coach Rui Vitoria

Benfica fired their coach Rui Vitoria on Thursday after a series of poor results for the team he led to back-to-back Portuguese titles in 2016 and 2017. Benfica came second in Portugal last year but in December failed to qualify for the Champions League knock-out rounds, and after defeats to modest clubs now sit fourth in the domestic league. On Wednesday the side scored two own goals in a 2-0 defeat to Portimonense. “Benfica have come to an agreement with Rui Vitoria for an immediate end to his contract,” the club said in a statement on Thursday. Benfica’s ‘B’ team coach Bruno Lage, has been appointed as an interim coach.

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26Dec By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Ex-Watford Boss Sanchez Flores Moves To Shanghai Shenhua

Former Watford, Benfica and Atletico Madrid boss Quique Sanchez Flores has been named head coach of Chinese Super League (CSL) Shanghai Shenhua. Quique Sanchez Flores Shenhua issued a statement welcoming the Spaniard and his coaching team, who are due to arrive in Shanghai on Friday to prepare for the new CSL season beginning on March 1, 2019. “(We) hope they will get familiar with the team as soon as possible through winter training, instil their football techniques and tactics in the players and help the young players in the team grow faster,” Shanghai Shenhua said in a post on China’s Twitter-like Weibo Tuesday. The club’s former Chinese coach Wu Jingui will move to the role of sporting director at the club. Wu led the team to win the Chinese FA Cup in 2017. Sanchez F...

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25Nov By BobbyNo Comments

Uncategorized

Ebuehi Fit For Seychelles Clash

Nigerian right full back, Tyronne Ebuehi could make his return to international football with the Super Eagles in their dead rubber AFCON 2019 Qualifiers tie against Seychelles. Ebuehi suffered ligaments damage few weeks into pre season training with his new team Benfica following his move in the summer from ADO Den Haag after his involvement with Nigeria at the World Cup in Russia. He was initially feared out of the Africa Cup of Nations next year which Nigeria has qualified for with a game to spare after drawing 1-1 against South Africa in Johannesburg a week ago. A check on Benfica injury update shows he is progressing nicely and well on course to return to competitive football on the 29th of January, two months before Nigeria’s last AFCON 2019 Qualifiers game against Seychelles....

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13Oct By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Arsenal Legend Thierry Henry Gets Juicy Appointment As Coach Of Top Ligue 1 Club

Former Arsenal captain, Thierry Henry who led Belgium to third place as an assistant coach at the 2018 World Cup has gotten a juicy appointment. Thierry Henry Former Arsenal star Thierry Henry was on Saturday named as Monaco coach, to replace Leonardo Jardim, sacked midweek, the struggling Ligue 1 club announced. The 41-year-old French World Cup winner, who had been working as an assistant coach for the Belgian national team since 2016, signed a contract with Monaco through until June 2021. The former striker will be joined by Joao Carlos Valado Tralhao, under-23 coach at Benfica, and Patrick Kwame Ampadu, coach at the Arsenal Academy. Jardim was sacked midweek following a string of poor results that left Monaco languishing in 18th in France’s Ligue 1. Henry knows M...

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25Aug By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Wolves winger Helder Costa Looking Forward to Bernardo Silva Reunion

Wolves winger Helder Costa is looking forward to facing Manchester City's Bernardo Silva today. The pair played together at AS Monaco. "I met Bernardo in 2004 or 2005 and we started playing together in the Benfica youth academy," Costa said. "We played together for over 10 years then I played with him at Monaco, we have a close friendship, we still speak regularly and I hope the best man wins on Saturday "We'll have time to be friends after the game but as soon as the referee blows his whistle, we'll be opponents and we're there to complete. "I wasn't surprised (Silva went to Manchester City), knowing Bernardo's quality and what kind of player he is. "I think it's obvious to everyone what he's capable of and I hope he continues to develop and show us his footballing skill...

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13Nov By raymonNo Comments

Sport

Globetrotter Garcia Eyes Return To Russia With Spain

The globe-trotting midfielder, who has won league titles in Spain, Russia, England and Portugal, left Zenit St Petersburg for Betis in August, just before the team played its first game at the shiny new Krestovsky stadium, which will host seven games at next year's World Cup, including a semi-final. Now he has returned to La Liga and quickly become the anchor of a revitalised Real Betis side, however, he has renewed hope of returning to Russia as part of Spain coach Julen Lopetegui's 23-man squad. "Returning to the national team was practically impossible while I was in Russia," said Garcia, who has two caps, in a telephone interview with Reuters. "But now I'm back in Spain everyone watches Betis matches, so why not? While things are going well for the team you never know what could hap...

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3Nov By raymonNo Comments

Sport

Napoli Want Vrsaljko As Ghoulam Replacement

According to Corriere dello Sport, Napoli are “ready to launch an assault” on Vrsaljko for January, with Ghoulam likely to miss the rest of the season due to damaged knee ligaments. Atleti paid Sassuolo €16m to sign the Croat last year, and he displaced Juanfran Torres at right-back midway through the 2016-17 campaign. However, a knee problem ended his season prematurely and he has struggled to regain his place in the team. Vrsaljko also spent a season at Genoa before his stint with Sassuolo, while his versatility allows him to play on the left-hand side. Corriere adds the Partenopei are also considering Benfica’s Alex Grimaldo, a graduate of Barcelona’s youth academy.

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1Nov By ZIHONo Comments

News

Why I Asked Romelu Lukaku To Hand Over Penalty To Daley Blind – Jose Mourinho

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has explained his decision to stop striker Romelu Lukaku from taking a penalty against Benfica in the Champions League game on Tuesday night. The Red Devils took a step closer to qualification from Group A, with a 2-0 win over Benfica at Old Trafford. The second goal of the night came through a Daley Blind penalty after Mourinho had told Lukaku he could not take spot kick. After substitute, Marcus Rashford was brought down in the box, Lukaku grabbed the ball. Then the Portuguese gaffer gestured to Ander Herrera, and then Lukaku himself, that the £75 million striker should pass the ball to Blind. Anthony Martial had already seen a first-half penalty saved by 18-year-old goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Mourinho told a postmatch news conferenc...

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31Oct By raymonNo Comments

Sport

Man Utd Cruising Through But Is Mourinho Making A Mistake Picking On Fans?

Manchester United all but qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time in four years on Tuesday night with a fourth consecutive Group A win, beating Benfica 2-0 at Old Trafford. But the latest sign of progress at the club came against the baffling backdrop of Jose Mourinho’s tussle with the supporters after another sly dig at the fan base in his programme notes. The United manager launched an offensive after the 1-0 victory over Tottenham on Saturday when criticising the fans for apparent murmurings at Romelu Lukaku’s recent form in front of goal and the side’s general inability to entertain with their play of late. Then, ahead of the match on Tuesday he penned: “I hope that you enjoy the game more than some of you did against Tottenham.” And while United again be...

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31Oct By raymonNo Comments

Sport

‘Enjoy It More Than The Tottenham Game’ – Mourinho Goads Man United Boo Boys

Jose Mourinho took another swipe at Manchester United's supporters in his programme notes ahead of Tuesday's Champions League Group A game against Benfica on Tuesday. Mourinho was unhappy when the Old Trafford faithful booed his decision to replace Marcus Rashford with Anthony Martial during Saturday's Premier League game against Tottenham. Martial went on to seal a 1-0 win and Mourinho gestured with his finger to his lips at full-time in apparent admonishment of his critics in the stands. Afterwards, Mourinho interpreted the crowd reaction to the substitution as a lack of support for striker Romelu Lukaku, whose form he defended at a pre-match news conference for the Benfica match. However, that did not do the job when it came to the Portuguese getting all of his gripes out of his sys...

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