Benfica Upfront is back... but on Twitter

For those of you who used to follow my blog here at www.benficaupfront.blogspot.com, I apologise for the prolonged absence.

The time University takes up in my life inhibits me from running a quality blog and, seeing as I refuse to publish mediocrity, I will now be using Twitter to express my opinions. The style and honesty of my writing will remain the same; however I will be much more concise due to the character restriction on Twitter.

I look forward to sharing my views with all of you once again, 140 characters at a time.

www.twitter.com/BenficaUpfront

Evidence

Here's a small sample of evidence backing the preceding post.



The funny thing is that, other than the two-footed challenge on Aimar (which resulted in a yellow card) and the Guimarães handball at the end of the clip (which didn't result in any card), none of these situations were actually called a foul. Not even the attempted assasination of Suazo, which is worth, at least, a five game suspension.

Criminal

Absolute robbery is the only way I can describe the Benfica 2-1 Guimarães match I just witnessed. How more fucking obvious does it have to be before UEFA and FIFA start looking at these fucking criminals who have no other objective but to derail Benfica.

If I were to list all the errant calls against Benfica and all the errant non-calls in Guimarães' favour, I would be here all night. What happened today is an absolute fucking disgrace which every Portuguese person must be ashamed of, no matter the colour of your shirt.

Congratulations to the Benfica technical staff, players and fans who overcame two different teams tonight for this honourable and deserved victory.

Post scriptum I
NINGUÉM PÁRA O BENFICA.

The disadvantage of the advantage

Following the 1-1 draw in Berlin against Hertha and the 2-1 victory over Naval, it is apparent that we have an unusual yet concerning problem after we take the lead in a match. Usually a problem like this stems from the coaching staff, but I don’t think this logic applies here.

Although I do not completely agree with what Quique did in Germany (Binya starting?), it is evident that the Spaniard does not want Benfica defending deep after we take the lead. Yet it happens all too often and has cost us two points each in Leixões and Berlin, and nearly in the Luz on Sunday. So why does it happen? I don’t know, but I do not think it’s because of the opposition (with all due respect to Hertha, Leixões and/or Naval). Therefore the problem resides here, and it has to be resolved soon.

Make no mistake, this team is still in formulation and still requires time – just how much time is the real question. Fortunately for us we’ve been getting results – with several key players sidelined – which leave us in pole-position for success once we reach our potential.

Post scriptum I
Props to Jorge Ribeiro who continues to demonstrate why he has overtaken Léo in the starting eleven. No, he doesn’t have the speed or dribbling prowess the Brazilian possesses, however he has considerably better passing, crossing and shooting ability, which have directly contributed to the win in Paços and in the Luz against Naval.

Post scriptum II
I would just like to congratulate Luisão for the goal against Naval on Sunday. I think that the majority of benfiquistas have been absolutely disgraceful in the way which they treat this loyal, class-act of a footballer. I’ll go on record saying that I consider Luisão to be one of the best central defenders on the planet, and the best I’ve seen at the Luz since I began following this club religiously. So on behalf of all benfiquistas – including those who are ignorant and ungrateful – thank you for everything, Patrão.

The learning curve

First and foremost, I just want to give my congratulations to the Penafiel staff and players for the excellent fairplay they demonstrated on Sunday. It's a breath of fresh air to see a team from Portugal come to the Luz and actually play attacking football, not waste time, and gracefully accept the defeat. It's unfortunate that there are virtually no teams in the first division with that type of demeanor.

With that being said, Benfica played atrocious. As was the case with Leixões, the team showed no grit, determination, or ambition whatsoever - which is surprising considering nine of the eleven starters are bench players fighting for a starting role. With the exception of Moreira (nice to see him back), Makukula (tireless) and about twenty minutes from Di María, the reserves absolutely justified why Quique has given them limited playing time thus far.

Nevertheless, with some luck, we made it through to the next round where we once again play another second-tier team (Aves) in the Luz. Hopefully Quique and co. takes this fixture – as well as the Liga matches - more seriously. If not I fear that we may have a Benfica similar to that of Koeman's; winning the big matches and drawing/losing the less glamorous ties. Although I don't think this is the case - this team has more quality - one can't help but notice the similarities.

Post scriptum I
I cannot describe how much I hate seeing Benfica in their alternative strip at the Luz. It should never, ever happen again.

Post scriptum II
It's unfortunate to see Pablo Aimar still on the shelves with a bothersome injury. Here's hoping that he can overcome and avoid these type of injuries in the future.

Post scriptum III
Anyone see Carlos Queirós sitting beside Pinto da Costa during the Porto 0-1 Kiev match last night? It's funny how Carlos has initiated feuds with Benfica and Sporting, yet attends FC Porto matches in the company of someone who is suspended by the Portuguese football federation. I now understand why pathetic, excuses for footballers such as Bruno Alves and Raúl Meireles get playing time.