Always an uncomfortable opponent, Benfica are bidding for this new Club World Cup to which they arrive as dangerous opponents for all those teams aspiring to win the title. There is no pressure on them as they will probably not be in any betting pool to lift the title, but they could give more than one scare to those who do intend to be the first FIFA tournament champions.
Always an uncomfortable opponent, Benfica are presenting their bid in this new Club World Cup, where they arrive as dangerous opponents for all those teams aiming to win the title. They are under no pressure because they will probably not be in any betting pool to lift the title, but they could give more than one scare to those who are considering becoming the first champions of the FIFA tournament.
They also come with the desire to redeem themselves after a season that has not been good for the Lisbon team. Under Bruno Lage, they should be the second team in the group behind Bayern Munich, but they must not lose their nerve against a Boca Juniors team with a new coach – Miguel Angel Russo. They must not slip up against Auckland City to avoid making life difficult for themselves in the group stage.
Players to watch
It is obligatory to talk about the Greek Vangelis Pavlidis in an analysis of this Benfica. At 26 years of age, he has had an exceptional first season at the Portuguese club. Twenty-nine goals and 11 assists in the 53 games he has played and now he has the opportunity to continue to add to his tally at the Club World Cup. He will feel the loss of Angel di Maria, who has left for Rosario Central after a year of 15 goals and nine assists.
The reliability of Nicolas Otamendi will once again be key for the Eagles. Despite his 37 years, the Argentinian offers experience, always key for short tournaments, and still performs at a good level. In recent days there has been a lot of talk about his future, as his contract expires on 30 June, but he will be at the World Cup with the Lisbon giants.
Coach
Bruno Lage arrived from Botafogo after a previous spell at Benfica until 2020. The Portuguese coach concludes the first season in this second chapter with only one title, the League Cup. He won others, especially the domestic championship, but lost that final sprint to Sporting de Portugal.
