“We want to be champions on Sunday”
Benfica saw their title hopes grow even bigger with a 2-3 win over Academica on Monday. Benfica took the lead with a 2nd minute goal from Weldon. Academica came back to score the equalizer through Diogo in the 28th minute. Benfica would take a small lead just before halftime with another Weldon goal in the 41st minute, allowing them to come back into the second half with the confidence. There wouldn’t be anymore goals till the final stages of the game, with an 81st minute goal from midfielder Ruben Amorim. Academica would make it very nervous for Benfica by scoring in the 88th minute, putting that extra bit of pressure on the league leaders. Luckily Benfica held out to get the win and allow them to remain 6 points off of Braga. Even without a few of their main players, Benfica are still on their way to becoming champions.
This Sunday will be the game between Benfica and Olhanense. If we win, we would be champions. Although there is still very much a chance to make things harder on ourselves, we have come this far and have so much confidence that the team is willing to push themselves to be champions. Only 3 games remain and we want to win as quickly as possible. Braga will be playing Naval who are in 9th place and who can still make things even better for us if they can get a win or even a draw from Braga. One hopes that we can do it for ourselves first, without having to have any help. If we do not secure it this Sunday we can still do it next week when we visit Porto at the Estadio do Dragao. Although I’m sure Porto fans and players would not like to see us wrap up the title on their home ground.
In transfer news, it has been reported that Sporting Braga keeper Eduardo is set to join Benfica for around 4 million euros. I think it would be a great addition, to have both the national teams #1 and #2 keeper on our team. Not that Quim is not capable anymore, but having both of them will assure that we have a great keeper line, with Julio Cesar able to fill in when needed. It is also reported that Manchester City are set to offer 100 million euros for both Angel Di Maria and Oscar Cardozo. Many teams are reported to be after Di Maria and David Luiz as well. Nothing is concrete yet, but I’m sure either before or during the World Cup more speculation will begin. Even with such losses, having the money from them will allow us to still strengthen our squad.
Also, I’d like to send out my condolences to Sporting striker Florent-Sinama Pongolle. The striker is going through a very serious family problem that is affecting him psychologically. He will not play the rest of the season and I hope that he and his family can get all the help they need.
