Benfica Faces CD Chaves in Taça de Portugal Showdown

TRÁS-OS-MONTES, Portugal — Benfica is set to meet CD Chaves for the third round of the Taça de Portugal this Friday. Coach José Mourinho has named a 22-man squad, emphasizing minimal changes to his team.

Samuel Soares will start as goalkeeper, while Georgiy Sudakov, who recently overcame a shoulder issue from international play, may feature. In contrast, Richard Ríos did not make the cut due to undisclosed reasons, a decision Mourinho addressed in a press conference.

Mourinho confirmed the inclusion of Tomás Araújo in the starting lineup and hinted at stability in the midfield, especially with Enzo Barrenechea absent due to suspension. Based on earlier matches, Franjo Ivanovic is expected to pair with Vangelis Pavlidis in the attack.

The Chaves team, led by Filipe Martins, enters the match confident and remains undefeated in the Segunda Liga. They are keen on utilizing a defensive setup, aiming for quick transitions to exploit any gaps left by Benfica.

Historically, Benfica has dominated their encounters with Chaves, winning 31 out of 39 matches. However, Mourinho acknowledges the unpredictability of cup competitions, stressing the need for seriousness and respect toward the opposing team.

Chaves features João Teixeira, the team’s playmaker, known for his capability to control the game’s pace, which will pose challenges for Benfica’s defense. In contrast, Benfica aims to break a two-game scoring slump in this vital cup fixture.

As both teams prepare for kickoff, the stage is set in Trás-os-Montes for what promises to be a compelling clash in the Taça de Portugal.