Coach Bruno Lage gave the Benfica squad a well-deserved day off this Sunday. It was a brief respite before the storm of their next big challenge. The team had put in a solid training session yesterday at the Benfica Campus. That work followed their recent draw against Santa Clara. Lage, however, decided to excuse the group from reporting to Seixal for any duties today.
Tomorrow, the Benfica team will be back on the training pitch. This final session is their last chance to prepare for a crucial match. On Tuesday, they face Qarabag. This game is much more than a simple fixture. It marks the very beginning of the Eagles’ journey in this year’s Champions League.
However, not all players will be fit to fly. Several key figures remain sidelined. Bah, Dedic, Manu, Nuno Félix, Bruma, and Lukebakio are still limited in their recovery. They will not be available for the encounter with the Azerbaijani club. Their absence presents an early test for the squad in their quest for European glory.