Any Given Sunday: Benfica's Cup of Agony

Benfica is coming into this game having endured one of the worst off seasons and pre-seasons in their vast history. They sold half their starting 11 and managed only two wins during their pre-season games, which saw them lose the last two matches by 5-1 against Arsenal and 3-1 against Valencia. Valencia, a team now coached by Nuno Espirito Santo that last year was coaching Rio Ave when they lost both domestic cups to Benfica.

Most Benfica fans are not looking at this game against Rio Ave with positive thoughts, after all, the Benfica we have all seen during these past weeks, is a shadow of the team we all got to see last year. When you add to that the fact that Benfica has only won the Supercup once in the last 13 years and in 35 editions they have won 4 and lost 11, this makes for a very somber atmosphere surrounding this game.

While most and I would even include myself in that list, have put our Chicken Little hats on and believe the sky is falling I also believe that this Cup will perhaps be one of the few bright spots for this season.

Some of the regular players, the ones that haven’t been sold, will be making a return to the squad. I am referring to Luisao, Enzo Perez and even Jardel. Having Luisao and Jardel anchoring the defensive line gives the team a different stability and security that Sidnei and Cesar would never be able to achieve together. This game could also see the return of Enzo Perez to the Benfica midfield, in what could be a bittersweet moment for fans and player. Rumors in the media suggest that the player will finalize his transfer to Valencia CF following this match.