Benfica-The surprise Package of the Champions League 2022-23 season? See why
Benfica in UCL: Benfica secured a place in the last 8 of the UCL last night after beating Brugge 5-1 on the night in the Round of 16 clash.
This victory also saw them win 7-1 on aggregate with Silva, Ramos (2), Mario and Neres finding the net in last night’s thumping win.
João Mário is the first Benfica player to score in five successive European Cup appearances since Eusébio 🦅#UCL pic.twitter.com/JLtapM5wHc
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 8, 2023
It was another top notch performance from the Portuguese as they along-with Chelsea were the first 2 movers into the next stage.
However, today we focus on why Benfica could be the surprise package of the Champions League 2022-23 season with this win.
Imperious form
Benfica is one of the top sides in the UCL 2023 having not lost a single game so far.
They began by topping their group which included the likes of PSG with 4 wins and 2 draws.
This was followed by 2 wins in the Round of 16 clash vs Brugge; which sealed their place in the last 8.
Unbeaten in the #UCL 🔥
Nobody will want to draw Benfica in the quarter-finals 😳 pic.twitter.com/OpsfL6PyIX
— LiveScore (@livescore) March 8, 2023
Such has been their form not only in Europe but across competitions due to which there is consistency in their play.
The further they progress, the better they are becoming and are certain to make life difficult for other European opponents.
Goncalo Ramos factor
Also read: Top 5 players to watch out for in Bayern vs PSG UCL Round of 16 2nd leg clash
The Portuguese striker has been on fire across competitions this season with 15 goals in the league.
He even guided Benfica through the UCL Qualification stage with 7 goals so far. Ramos is in imperious form with goals coming at a regular rate. He remains their key source for finding the net and is doing so consistently.
🔎 | FOCUS
Gonçalo Ramos put on a show as he led Benfica to a 5–1 (7–1 on aggregate) win over Club Brugge:
👌 28 touches
⚽️ 2 goals
🎯 5 shots/3 on target (1.10 xG)
🅰️ 1 assist
💨 3/3 successful dribbles
⚔️ 7/12 duels won
🦵 2 tackles
📈 9.4 Sofascore rating🔥🔥#SLBBRU #UCL pic.twitter.com/sQFBRad2GB
— Sofascore (@SofascoreINT) March 7, 2023
Ramos was at the double last night in the 5-1 thumping win which raises his stocks ahead of the next round.
The 21-year-old is a calm finisher and has a good eye for goal; which makes him a weapon of destruction.
Contributions from mid-field
The likes of Mario, Neres and Silva have contributed to Benfica’s success this season. These 3 are their top scorers with 6,5 and 3 goals respectively. The contributions are coming in from the wide men and mid-field area.
This is a massive plus for Benfica when they need to travel against other top teams in later stages and may require a change in plan.
When a team needs to alter game-plans, the players who move the game have to be in-form.
Hence, these 3 players alongside Luis, Chiquinho and Aursnes have provided control to the play.
Contributions from the others helps easing the pressure on the attackers in search of goals.
Benfica’s overall fluid style of play makes them an underdog to watch out for in the last 8 stage and hopefully further.
