Ferguson praises Nani ahead of Benfica

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Nani’s contribution this season.

As his side prepare to welcome Benfica to Old Trafford in the UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday, Ferguson praised Nani’s playmaking ability and his role in creating chances for United.

The Portuguese midfielder has four assists in the Premier League so far this season.

“I think he’s always had that potential,” Ferguson said.

“I think whenever someone comes to the club from abroad some take to it quickly, and some gradually grow into the club. I think Nani is one of those.”

“Even Christano (Ronaldo) took two or three years just to get the maturity in his game. That’s what we’re seeing in Nani now.”

If you look at the stats, his goals have been fine, but his assists are very high. So he’s progressing really well.”

Benfica share a historical tie with United. They were United’s opponents when the Red Devils won their first European Cup, the predecessor to the Champions League, at Wembley in 1968.

Nani also has added motivation to beat Benfica. He played for their great rivals Sporting for two seasons before joining United in 2007.

United and Benfica are tied at the top of group C on eight points, and a win for either team on Tuesday would put them in a strong position with one group game remaining.

“You hope you do finish top,” Ferguson said.

“You mentioned several big teams we would avoid, but the main thing is having the second leg back at Old Trafford. Which is a big advantage.”

“So it’s always been our aim to finish top. It’s not always been the case, we’ve finished second several times.”

“The quality of the teams at that stage doesn’t make a big difference, but it can make a little difference. I think the main advantage in my mind is to have the second leg at Old Trafford.”

Ferguson did not underestimate the ability of their Portuguese rivals.

“It’s a big game tomorrow, it’s a real European game considering the history of Benfica themselves.”

“We’ve had a number of great games in the past that I can remember. One that I remember is the game with them which we lost 2-1 in Portugal.”

“The performance in the first game I thought we did really well, possession-wise it was good, we deserved the result until the last 15 minutes when they threatened quite a bit.”

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Europa Cup: Benfica overcome PSV Eindhoven (6-3 agg)

By Shourin Roy on April 15, 2011 8:22 PM | Comments | TrackBacksShare|

Portugese giants Benfica drew PSV Eindhoven after falling behind two goals as the spectacularly named Balázs Dzsudzsák and Jeremain Lens scored for the Dutch team.

Guus Hiddink, the former PSV coach who brought them so much success was honoured at half time but he could not help his team tide the Benfica comeback sparked by Luisao's acrobatic scissor kick. It turned worse as César Peixoto was brought down and Oscar Cardozo duly converted the penalty. The match ended in a 2-2 draw and Benfica went through to the semi-finals on a 6-3 aggregate on the crest of their 4-1 first leg win.

It was a red letter day for Portugese teams as Braga drew Dynamo Kyiv, 0-0 but progressed forward on a 1-1 away goal advantage gained in the first leg. This despite the fact Braga played a man down for more than a hour when Paulo Cesar was sent off in the 29th minute (video)

Jose Mourinho's former club, Porto routed Spartak Moscow, 5-2 for a 10-3 aggregate victory. Hulk, Cristian Rodriguez, Fredy Guarin, Falcao and Ruben Micael scored for the visitors while Artem Dzjuba and Ferreira Ari scored consolation goals for the Moscow side. (video). As the clip shows it would be difficult to find worse defending.

The Europa Cup semi-finals will be an all Iberian affair with the three Portugese clubs joining Spanish side Villarreal who finished off FC Twente, 3-1 for a 8-3 aggregate with American born Giuseppe Rossi getting on board with a penalty conversion (video)

Categories: Gossip/Trash Talk, Soccer Business, Soccer Coaches & Coaching, Soccer Culture, Soccer Hall of Fame, Soccer History, Soccer Players, Soccer Skills, Soccer Teams - Club, Soccer Videos Tags: Europa Cup 2010-2011, FC Porto, FC Twente, SL Benfica, Sporting Braga No TrackBacks

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Liga Sagres wrap: Naval stun Benfica, Porto survive scare

Naval 1 de Maio kept their survival chances alive with a thrilling 2-1 home victory against Benfica in Sunday’s Liga Sagres action.

The strugglers moved to within four points of safety after the victory, which was kick-started by Bruno Moraes’ opener in the 22nd minute.

But Benfica, who thumped PSV 4-1 on Thursday, were triggered into action and grabbed an equaliser nine minutes before the break when Alan Kardec leveled proceedings.

Benfica were expected to go on and win the game but Rogerio Goncalves’ side were desperate for the points and claimed an unlikely winner when Marinho scored for just the second time this season with seven minutes remaining.

Champions Porto won 3-2 at bottom side Portimonense, but the result did not come without a scare.

Fatigued after their own Europa League heroics on Thursday, Porto started slowly but hit the lead when Hulk scored for the 31st time in all competitions this season just five minutes into the second half.

Portimonense hit back when Ruben scored on the hour mark, and although Falcao replied three minutes later, George Mourad’s 84th-minute equaliser looked to have sealed a point for the hosts.

But Porto had other ideas and Maicon bagged the winner with four minutes to play to end a fantastic second half of football.

On a day in which all the strugglers played well, Vitoria Setubal, who sit 14th and just four points above Naval 1 de Maio, won 4-1 at home against Uniao de Leiria.

William scored the opener after 27 minutes before Neca, Claudio Pitbull and Jose Pedro scored in the second half.

Fabricio pulled back a late consolation goal for Uniao, but the hosts held on to record an easy victory.

Rio Ave fell a goal behind before netting six second-half goals to thrash Pacos de Ferreira 6-1.

Mario Rondon scored the opener 17 minutes but Joao Tomas struck in the 50th minute from the penalty spot, and then 14 minutes later to edge Rio Ave in front.

Further goals to Braga, Tarantini and a Saulo double ensured an easy victory.

In the day’s other match, Wilson Eduardo’s 59th-minute strike handed Beira Mar a 1-0 home win over Olhanense.

Mon 11 April, 2011

Liga Sagres wrap: Naval stun Benfica, Porto survive scare

Naval 1 de Maio kept their survival chances alive with a thrilling 2-1 home victory against Benfica in Sunday’s Liga Sagres action.

The strugglers moved to within four points of safety after the victory, which was kick-started by Bruno Moraes’ opener in the 22nd minute.

But Benfica, who thumped PSV 4-1 on Thursday, were triggered into action and grabbed an equaliser nine minutes before the break when Alan Kardec leveled proceedings.

Benfica were expected to go on and win the game but Rogerio Goncalves’ side were desperate for the points and claimed an unlikely winner when Marinho scored for just the second time this season with seven minutes remaining.

Champions Porto won 3-2 at bottom side Portimonense, but the result did not come without a scare.

Fatigued after their own Europa League heroics on Thursday, Porto started slowly but hit the lead when Hulk scored for the 31st time in all competitions this season just five minutes into the second half.

Portimonense hit back when Ruben scored on the hour mark, and although Falcao replied three minutes later, George Mourad’s 84th-minute equaliser looked to have sealed a point for the hosts.

But Porto had other ideas and Maicon bagged the winner with four minutes to play to end a fantastic second half of football.

On a day in which all the strugglers played well, Vitoria Setubal, who sit 14th and just four points above Naval 1 de Maio, won 4-1 at home against Uniao de Leiria.

William scored the opener after 27 minutes before Neca, Claudio Pitbull and Jose Pedro scored in the second half.

Fabricio pulled back a late consolation goal for Uniao, but the hosts held on to record an easy victory.

Rio Ave fell a goal behind before netting six second-half goals to thrash Pacos de Ferreira 6-1.

Mario Rondon scored the opener 17 minutes but Joao Tomas struck in the 50th minute from the penalty spot, and then 14 minutes later to edge Rio Ave in front.

Further goals to Braga, Tarantini and a Saulo double ensured an easy victory.

In the day’s other match, Wilson Eduardo’s 59th-minute strike handed Beira Mar a 1-0 home win over Olhanense.

Mon 11 April, 2011

FC Porto Forced to Celebrate Title In Darkness as Benfica Get Petty (Video)

4 comments by Mad Dog and Glory on April 4th, 2011

This is amusing. FC Porto won the Portuguese title on the weekend, well done to them, they did so without losing a game and a win at arch rivals Benfica set the party starting however the home side decided that they would ruin their fun by turning off the floodlights and switching on the sprinklers, which is a little petty if you ask me. If anything the sprinklers just made the party even more fun, everyone knows that sprinklers make any party better! Spotted on the excellent Who Ate All The Pies.

Liga Sagres: Sporting Lisbon 0 Benfica 2

Benfica survived the first-half sending off of defender Sidnei to win a physical city derby against Sporting Lisbon 2-0 on Monday.

The win illustrated the gulf in quality between the two Lisbon sides this Liga Sagres season, with second-placed Benfica now 15 points ahead of their bitter rivals in third.

It took just 15 minutes for Benfica to take the lead. A cross from the right was only cleared by Sporting’s defence into the path of Eduardo Salvio – one of five Argentine players on the pitch – who took one touch before firing past goalkeeper Rui Patricio from close range.

Sporting quickly went about seeking an equaliser, with striker Yannick Djalo flashing a right-footed drive just wide and new Brazilian signing Cristiano finding the back of the net only for the goal to be ruled out for off-side.

Their job was made easier when Benfica central defender Sidnei was dismissed for his second yellow card inside five minutes as the first half drew to a close.

And Sporting almost restored parity in the 52nd minute when strike duo Helder Postiga and Djalo drew a double save out of Benfica shot-stopper Roberto Jimenez.

Cristiano needed attention after coming off second best in an aerial challenge with Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo in the lead up to the double chance, highlighting the increasingly bruising tone of the match.

Sporting – still struggling to adapt to life without regular top-scorer Liedson, who was sold back to Brazilian club Corinthians in January – had the majority of their chances to draw level from outside the area, with Djalo again firing wide from distance in the 59th minute.

And their inability to find a way through their opponents’ now-three man defence was punished when Nicolas Gaitan volleyed home from inside the box.

Benfica had won a free kick on the edge of the area, with Sporting captain Anderson Polga perhaps fortunate not to join Sidnei in the dressing room after he brought down a theatrical Gaitan as the last man.

The free kick was initially cleared, but Maxi Pereira’s cross back into the area was volleyed first time by Gaitan, though Rui Patricio’s efforts to save the shot were not helped by a wicked deflection.

Substitutes Diogo Salomao and Maniche both tried to their luck for Sporting as time ran out, but bragging rights emphatically belonged to Benfica.

Sporting must now attempt to hold on to third place on the Liga Sagres table, with Vitoria Guimares just one point in arrears.

Benfica’s win puts them 15 points above their Lisbon rivals, though they still trail league-leaders Porto by eight points.

Tue 22 February, 2011

Liga Sagres: Sporting Lisbon 0 Benfica 2

Benfica survived the first-half sending off of defender Sidnei to win a physical city derby against Sporting Lisbon 2-0 on Monday.

The win illustrated the gulf in quality between the two Lisbon sides this Liga Sagres season, with second-placed Benfica now 15 points ahead of their bitter rivals in third.

It took just 15 minutes for Benfica to take the lead. A cross from the right was only cleared by Sporting’s defence into the path of Eduardo Salvio – one of five Argentine players on the pitch – who took one touch before firing past goalkeeper Rui Patricio from close range.

Sporting quickly went about seeking an equaliser, with striker Yannick Djalo flashing a right-footed drive just wide and new Brazilian signing Cristiano finding the back of the net only for the goal to be ruled out for off-side.

Their job was made easier when Benfica central defender Sidnei was dismissed for his second yellow card inside five minutes as the first half drew to a close.

And Sporting almost restored parity in the 52nd minute when strike duo Helder Postiga and Djalo drew a double save out of Benfica shot-stopper Roberto Jimenez.

Cristiano needed attention after coming off second best in an aerial challenge with Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo in the lead up to the double chance, highlighting the increasingly bruising tone of the match.

Sporting – still struggling to adapt to life without regular top-scorer Liedson, who was sold back to Brazilian club Corinthians in January – had the majority of their chances to draw level from outside the area, with Djalo again firing wide from distance in the 59th minute.

And their inability to find a way through their opponents’ now-three man defence was punished when Nicolas Gaitan volleyed home from inside the box.

Benfica had won a free kick on the edge of the area, with Sporting captain Anderson Polga perhaps fortunate not to join Sidnei in the dressing room after he brought down a theatrical Gaitan as the last man.

The free kick was initially cleared, but Maxi Pereira’s cross back into the area was volleyed first time by Gaitan, though Rui Patricio’s efforts to save the shot were not helped by a wicked deflection.

Substitutes Diogo Salomao and Maniche both tried to their luck for Sporting as time ran out, but bragging rights emphatically belonged to Benfica.

Sporting must now attempt to hold on to third place on the Liga Sagres table, with Vitoria Guimares just one point in arrears.

Benfica’s win puts them 15 points above their Lisbon rivals, though they still trail league-leaders Porto by eight points.

Tue 22 February, 2011

Chelsea Agree £21m Cash Plus Player Swap Deal to Sign Benfica Defender David Luiz

10 comments by The Newshound on January 31st, 2011

Stamford Bridge side clinch another big name signing.

Chelsea Tickets Available from Telegraph Tickets

Columbian whiz kid drops Benfica hint

Columbia Under-20 forward Fabian Castillo says he is aware of Benfica interest and admits he dreams of playing for the Eagles.

The 18-year-old striker, who is currently with Columbia at the Under-20 South American Championship, has been attracting a lot of interest lately with Benfica seems to be winning the race for his signature.

The Deportivo Cali striker admits a move to Benfica would be a dream come true.

Columbian whiz kid drops Benfica hint

Columbia Under-20 forward Fabian Castillo says he is aware of Benfica interest and admits he dreams of playing for the Eagles.

The 18-year-old striker, who is currently with Columbia at the Under-20 South American Championship, has been attracting a lot of interest lately with Benfica seems to be winning the race for his signature.

The Deportivo Cali striker admits a move to Benfica would be a dream come true.

Chelsea Complete £26m Signing of Benfica Centre Back David Luiz?

Comments Off by The Newshound on January 24th, 2011

Brazilian international heading for Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea Tickets Available from Telegraph Tickets

Manchester United Draw Up £55m Left Back Shortlist: Newcastle United, Benfica and Lyon Full Backs Targeted

8 comments by Steven Constable on January 18th, 2011

Sir Alex Ferguson keen on bringing a new left sided option to Old Trafford, but who will he opt for?

Bet on Man United with Sportingbet.com and get a free bet worth up to

Chelsea to Make £15m Bid for Bolton Defender Gary Cahill and Give Up On Overpriced Benfica Star

no comments by Mr Comfort on January 1st, 2011

Stamford Bridge boss keen on England international.

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Benfica vs Schalke 04 1-2 Champions League highlights

Dec 7, 2010

SL Benfica 1-2 Schalke ( Luisao/ Jose Manuel Jurado, Benedikt Howedes)

Schalke finished top of Group B in the Champions League as they beat SL Benfica 2-1 at the Estadio da Luz on December 7, 2010.

The result means that Benfica will now drop into the Europa League.

Benfica 0-1 Schalke ( Jurado goal)

Benfica 0-2 Schalke 04 ( Howedes goal)

Benfica 1-2 Schalke 04 ( Luisao goal)

Hapoel Tel Aviv 3-0 Benfica highlights

2, Douglas da Silva)

Portuguese giants Benfica were knocked out of the Champions League as they were upset 3-0 by Israeli Champions Hapoel Tel Aviv in Group B.

Hapoel Tel Aviv vs Benfica 0-1 ( Zahavi)

Hapoel Tel Aviv vs Benfica 0-2 ( Douglas)

Hapoel Tel Aviv vs Benfica 0-3 ( Zahavi)