SL Benfica

SL Benfica is one of the most historic, successful, and passionately supported clubs in European football — the pride of Lisbon and a giant of Portuguese football.

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Quick Overview:

• Full Name: Sport Lisboa e Benfica
• Founded: 1904
• Location: Lisbon, Portugal
• Stadium: Estádio da Luz (Stadium of Light – Capacity: ~65,000)
• Colors: Red and White
• Nickname: As Águias (The Eagles), Os Encarnados (The Reds)

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Major Achievements:

• Primeira Liga Titles: 38 (record holders in Portugal)
• Taça de Portugal: 26+
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 9
• UEFA Champions League:
  • Winners: 2 (1961, 1962 – under the legendary Eusébio)
  • Multiple Final Appearances: But famously cursed since the 1960s (the so-called Béla Guttmann curse)
• UEFA Europa League: Several recent runs to the final (2013, 2014 – runners-up)

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Current Era (2024–25):

Manager: Roger Schmidt – Brought a high-energy, pressing style of play, and won the 2022–23 Liga title.

Key Players:

• Ángel Di María – Returned in 2023, bringing world-class experience
• João Neves – Young midfield sensation
• António Silva – Breakout defender, attracting top European interest
• Rafa Silva – Creative attacking threat
• Petar Musa / Arthur Cabral – Forward options
• Odisseas Vlachodimos (left in 2023) replaced by Anatoliy Trubin in goal

Youth System: Benfica's academy is elite — produced stars like João Félix, Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and Ederson.

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Playing Style:

Schmidt favors a high-press, vertical attacking game with tactical discipline — often built around a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 setup.

Benfica remains a powerhouse in Portugal and a consistent threat in Europe.