It is Sporting who are struggling to maintain a high profile and their lacklustre performance against Olhanense will have done little to assuage their restless fans. Sporting’s problems continue to mount.

In the League Cup game against Second Division Moreirense, the score was 1-1 when they were awarded a penalty in stoppage time. Matias Fernandez stepped up to take the kick but was pushed aside by striker Bojinov despite protests from his team-mates. The Bulgarian international missed the spot-kick and now faces disciplinary action from the club.

For the game with Olhanense the Lisbon outfit were also without the suspended Elias, whilst Rodriguez, Rinaudo and Van Wolfswinkel were ruled out through injury. To add to their woes Stijn Schaars was injured during the warm-up and replaced by Daniel Carrico in midfield. Olhanense’s new boss, Sérgio Conceição, made just one change to the side that defeated Beira-Mar 2-1 the previous week, Fernando Alexandre replacing Paulo Regula in midfield.

Sporting had the better of the early exchanges but the middle period of the half undeniably belonged to Olhanense. Caue’s header flew just wide whilst at the other end keeper Fabiano pulled off a fine save to deny Carrillo. Sergio Conceição’s men slowly forced Sporting back into their own half.

Salvador Agra and Caue were particularly lively, whilst captain Rui Duarte produced a number of pinpoint crosses from the multitude of free kicks awarded by the referee. Moments after the re-start an Olhanense counter attack saw Yontcha crash a sliding effort off the crossbar.

The Lions then almost took the lead when a short corner to Capel was flicked on to Anderson Polga at the back post, but Fabiano again made a fine save.

It was during the final 20 minutes that Sporting had to call on ‘Man-of-Match’ Rui Patricio in order to maintain an interest in the game. Firstly, the Portugal number one scrambled to his right to block a fierce effort from Wilson Eduardo, but that was to be surpassed by a brilliant double save minutes later.

An Olhanense counter attack saw Rui Duarte play the ball to Agra whose cross found the unmarked Wilson Eduardo.

Incredibly Patricio got across to block the shot, and then raised himself to palm Yontcha’s thunderous volley over the bar. The result will be a boost for the home side although Sérgio Conceição felt his side should have taken all three points. Sporting, nine games without a win, slip further behind Braga and Marítimo in the battle for the third Champions League spot. On Sunday hundreds of Olhanense fans are expected to make the trip to Vitoria de Setúbal, Olhanense’s closest opponents 260 kilometres away!

（The Portugal News）

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Sporting slip again as Benfica maintain top spot is a post from: Portugal Football Soccer News

The Argentina international has been strongly linked with football away from Benfica after an impressive start to his second season at the Estadio da Luz.

Premier League duo Manchester United and Manchester City are believed to be vying for Gaitan’s services, but the former Boca Juniors talent’s agent has guaranteed that his client is focused on his current club.

“Gaitan’s goal is to play well for Benfica and be a champion at the club, where he is very happy” Jose Irribaran told Antena 1.

“I do not know if there is interest [from United and City], but I think that any team in the world would like to have Gaitan.

“However, there is nothing yet.”

Gaitan, who is the top provider in the Champions League, with five assists, has a €45 million release clause attached to his contract, which runs out in 2016.

（Goal.com）

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‘Manchester United and Manchester City target Nicolas Gaitan is very happy at Benfica’, says agent is a post from: Portugal Football Soccer News

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【VIDEO】Benfica 3-1 Gil Vicente 22/1/2012 is a post from: Portugal Football Soccer News

Oscar Cardozo’s first-half strike for Benfica was cancelled out by a Rodrigo Galo equaliser five minutes before the break, but second-half goals from Rodrigo Moreno and substitute Pablo Aimar sealed the three points.

Jorge Rolando and Joao Moutinho put Porto in the ascendancy against Guimaraes, who halved the deficit through substitute Abdelghani Faouzi, but then saw any hopes of a draw snuffed out by James Rodriguez’s penalty.

Third-spotted Braga also triumphed, 2-1 against Rio Ave, to remain eight points off the pace. Douglao and Helder Barbosa put the hosts in control with goals in the space of five minutes just before the interval, with a last-minute penalty from substitute Bruno Braga the visitors’ only consolation.

Elsewhere, basement boys Pacos Ferreira recorded only their third win of the campaign with a 2-1 home victory over second-bottom Vitoria Setubal. All the goals came in the final nine minutes, Rafael Lopes putting Vitoria ahead only for Manuel Jose’s late double, the second a last-gasp penalty, to turn the game on its head.

Finally, a goal in each half from Dejan Skolnik and Moreno earned Nacional a 2-0 win against Feirense.

（FIFA.com）

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Benfica, Porto maintain blistering pace is a post from: Portugal Football Soccer News

Argentina International Nicolas Gaitan has become hot property in Europe following some stellar performances in the UEFA Champions League this campaign. An unknown quantity to most of the continent, the midfielder has thrust himself into the limelight after attracting the attention of Manchester United amongst other sides.

Famed for his passing ability and knack of assisting his teammates, Gaitan could be a perfect fit at any top club and that’s why Sir Alex Ferguson was keen to shower him with praise before his side’s clash with Benfica.

The Scot has become an admirer of the former Boca Juniors man as the season has progressed and with the current midfield crisis at Old Trafford, has reportedly made him a top transfer priority.

Paul Scholes made a comeback from retirement but that only underlines the Red Devils’ problem, as they have been struggling because of injuries. United displayed great attacking football at the start of the term, but since then the creative hub of Anderson and Tom Cleverley has been clearly disrupted.

Sir Alex is eager to retain the Premiership this season and will allegedly make a move for the 23-year-old either this winter or during the summer. However the veteran manager’s task has been made harder, as Manchester City have joined the race alongside their seemingly endless supply of petro-dollars.

Roberto Mancini has made no secret of his desire to acquire a midfielder and with a move for Roma star Daniele de Rossi looking highly unlikely at this point; the Citizens have turned their attention to the Benfica man.

While Gaitan would relish the prospect of plying his trade at either of the Manchester clubs, his agent has revealed that there has been no contact of a potential move for his client.

Speaking to reporters, the representative said that if a switch were to materialize, then the interest parties would have to talk to him first and only then can an agreement be reached.

“The two clubs must come to an agreement about the transfer and then they must talk to me, this is logical.

“Only after they reach an understanding can they contact me to know if the player is happy, if he wants to play at United, his salary, and those sort of things.”

He also added that the Argentine was currently happy in his current surroundings and did not want to seek greener pastures elsewhere.

“He is very happy with everything at the club, his team-mates and the club’s board,” Jose Iribarren was quoted as saying.

With both Manchester trails hot on his trail, it remains to be seen how long Benfica can keep a hold of their prized asset, who is amongst the best attacking midfielders in Europe and has expressed an interest in playing for a top club.

（bettor.com）

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Manchester City keeping tabs on Benfica’s Nicolas Gaitan is a post from: Portugal Football Soccer News

Vitoria took an unlikely lead after only six minutes, with Neca the man on target at Estadio da Luz.

Nolito levelled for Benfica on 24 minutes, before a brace from Paraguayan forward Oscar Cardozo transformed the deficit into a 3-1 lead by half-time.

Nemanja Matic was on target to make it 4-1 on 73 minutes, before goalscorer Cardozo received his marching orders for a second bookable offence five minutes from time.

The win keeps Benfica top with 39 points, two points ahead of reigning champions Porto, who defeated Rio Ave 2-0 at home.

Colombia international James Rodriguez scored twice in the victory at Estadio do Dragao, where the hosts finished a man down after Rolando was sent off in the 90th minute.

In the other match on Saturday, visitors Gil Vicente held Feirense 0-0, with both sides having a man sent off.

Paulo Lopes received a straight red for Feirense on 64 minutes, while Pedro Moreira picked up his second yellow in the 90th minute.

The draw leaves Feirense 10th, one place and one point worse off than Gil Vicente.

（Soccerway）

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Liga Sagres wrap: Top two cruise to easy wins is a post from: Portugal Football Soccer News

The Argentine defender, who can also play in midfield, is reportedly on the verge of leaving the Copa Sudamericana champions in a deal worth around 1.6 million euros, and would join a host of other South Americans at the Lisbon-based side.

“I am aware of the possibility of moving to Portugal,” Rodriguez told O Jogo Luso.

“If Benfica come in for me, it would be impossible to say no. The deal is not done yet but of course I would love to play for Benfica.”

“I have no doubt that Benfica are very large, the biggest club in Portugal. They have a team who always play to win every title and that is a great achievement.”

If Matias Rodriguez does leave it will be a further blow to Universidad, who have lost Eduardo Vargas, Gabriel Vargas and Jose Rojas in recent weeks as they prepare for the 2012 Copa Libertadores campaign.

（Soccerway）

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Rodriguez delighted with Benfica link is a post from: Portugal Football Soccer News

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szxLimyhgho

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【VIDEO】Benfica 4-1 V. Setúbal 14/01/2012 is a post from: Portugal Football Soccer News

The 25-year-old has been linked with the Reds in the past few days, as Jorge Jesus prepares to bolster his squad before the transfer window closes.

Benfica’s backline, particularly the wingback position, has been a source of constant trouble for the club this season. While Maxi Pereira is undoubtedly first choice at right-back, there are no able replacements for him at the helm.

The Uruguayan International has been a consistent performer for the Eagles since his arrival from Defensor in 2007 and is a pivotal figure in Jorge Jesus’ team. But if he gets injured, there is no direct replacement for him and often players from other positions have to be drafted in his place.

Benfica are keen to address the situation and have been on the look for a top quality right-back this winter. While there are plethora of options in the market, the club have reportedly set their sights on Universidad de Chile’s Matias Rodriguez.

The former Boca Juniors is an important member of the Estadio Nacional Ñuñoa squad and is also noted for his versatility. Rodriguez can comfortably start on the right side of defence but if needed is also capable of playing as a midfielder.

With his ability to play in more than position, he could be an ideal acquisition for Benfica, as he would provide a back-up option at the back and in the centre of the park.

A move is highly likely to materialize and the player himself has revealed that he would love to ply his trade at Estadio da Luz.

Speaking to reporters, the former Nacional man said that Benfica was a top side in Liga Sagres and challenged for honours at the highest level.

“Tomorrow [Saturday] I will go to Chile and I will try to know more about the situation. I would be delighted to play at Benfica, the biggest club in Portugal. It is a very big club, they have excellent players and they fight for titles.”

The utility man also spoke about his possible future teammate Maxi Pereira and said that while he was a great player, he would try his best to challenge him for a spot in the team.

“He is an excellent player, I love watching him play, not only in Benfica but even with Uruguay. I am not better or worse than anyone. I’m going with the aim of playing and winning my place, not just wearing the jersey,” Matias Rodriguez was quoted as saying.

With Benfica keen on acquiring on Rodriguez and the player in turn equally eager to join the club, a switch should be completed before this transfer window closes.

（bettor.com）

I would be delighted to play for Benfica, says Matias Rodriguez is a post from: Portugal Football Soccer News

Perez, who signed by the Reds last summer, failed to make an impact at Benfica after being peripherally used by Jorge Jesus this season. The tactician opted to utilize the club’s plethora of options in the midfield and restricted the 25-year-old to the sidelines.

Fed-up with his unwanted status at the Stadium of Light, the player refused to return from his homeland after the holidays and demanded that the club let him sign for Estudiantes.

The Benfica officials were outraged by his demands and decided to press charges against him, as he was not complying with their wishes. While Perez expressed an interest in making a return to Estadio Único de La Plata, the Rat-Stabbers quickly distanced themselves from the situation.

“It is false that has ever been any formal contact with Enzo Perez in order to convince him to return to Estudiantes. There was only one contact on a personal level, by our sports director, Daniel Romeo, who spoke with Enzo to wish him Happy Holidays and asked how the recovery was going,” said club president Enrique Lombardi.

However the player was still adamant in staying in Argentina and was refusing to come to Portugal. But in a recent turn of events, Perez arrived in Lisbon yesterday with his agent, Miguel Pires.

Both were quickly escorted out of the airport, so as to prevent unnecessary attention from the media by Benfica officials. The club have not issued any statements regarding their plans but it is highly expected that Perez will no longer play for them.

Eduardo Salvio has already been touted as his replacement and coach Jorge Jesus admitted that he would welcome the player back anytime. Enzo Perez is now likely to face disciplinary charges and will be offloaded by the Lisbon outfit, as soon as a potential offer comes in.

However given his insubordination, it remains to be seen which side will acquire his services this winter.

（bettor.com）

Enzo Perez returns to Benfica is a post from: Portugal Football Soccer News