Benfica - Setubal - Game Preview

The last game of the season matches up Benfica and Vitoria de Setubal. It'll be the fourth time these two teams meet this year, Setubal won once, for the Carlsberg Cup, and both teams played to a deadlock the other two times. Setubal comes into this match 5th, 4 points behind Benfica, and with a good chance of being in the Uefa Cup.
Benfica will once again try to win and hope that Sporting and Guimaraes both slip.


This game takes on a different importance, despite being the last game of the season, with important consequences, it is also the last time Benfiquistas will get to see Rui Costa in action, as the maestro has decided he will hang up his boots after Sunday's game. It may also be the last time we see Luisao, Leo, Rodriguez and Katsouranis. Luisao has been linked to a Portsmouth summer transfer. Katsouranis has expressed his desire to leave, and Benfica will listen to offers. Leo and Rodriguez, are waiting for Benfica to resolve their future. Leo's contract is expiring and both parties have yet to reach an agreement. Rodriguez's option to buy time is running out, and the wages the player wants seem a bit much for Benfica. Letting both of these players go would be a grave mistake, in my opinion.

As i write this, i don't know what the game roster will look like, but i have a feeling Chalana will call all of the players for this match.

Here's what a possible 11 will look like:

Quim, Nelson, Luisao, Edcarlos, and Leo. Katsouranis, Rodriguez, Maxi and Rui Costa. Nuno Gomes and Cardozo up front. There's a possibility DiMaria might start on the left side of the midfield in detriment of Maxi.
Petit will not be available for this match as he serves a 1 match ban for accumulation of yellow cards.

Expect a sold out crowd at Estadio da Luz, a crowd that will come to pay tribute to Rui Costa in his last game. The team needs an inspired performance if they are to beat Setubal. Not a game to be missed, as Benfica's PR has already said it would be a memorable night.

Guimaraes will face Amadora, who hasn't practice for the last couple of days due to unpaid wages. Sporting will play Boavista who has also been in a state of turmoil this week, with the club's directive resigning due to the clubs poor financial situation.

As a Benfiquista, i still have hope that the team can at least reach 3rd place. Although they haven't done much this season to deserve that place, a club of Benfica's stature needs to be in the Champions League, year in and year out.