Benfica manager has replaced goalkeeper Quim with Moreira for the Carlsberg Cup semi-final against Sporting tomorrow.

Although Jorge Jesus may opt to start with Brazilian keeper Júlio César who needs to regain match fitness for the upcoming Europa League games against Hertha Berlin.

Newly signed midfielder Airton could make his debut in a Benfica shirt.

The 22 players called up are:

Goalkeepers: Moreira and Júlio César
Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Luisão, Miguel Vítor, David Luiz and César Peixoto
Midfielders: Airton, Ramires, Javi García, Carlos Martins, Ruben Amorim, Pablo Aimar, Di María, Fábio Coentrão and Felipe Menezes
Forwards: Saviola, Cardozo, Kardec, Nuno Gomes, Éder Luís and Weldon

Shortly after the draw in Setúbal Jorge Jesus considered that only the victory would have been a fair result for his side.

"We have to give merit to our opponent. We knew how Vitória were going to play. Positionally in the first half we weren't very well placed, but even then, Vitória were the team most worried about defending than attacking."

"In the second half there was only one team trying to win the game and I think that if there was a winner from this game it would have to be Benfica."

Central defender David Luiz helped Benfica score the first goal but also scored the own goal to give the opponents the equalizer.

"It was unlucky. First I helped the team with the goal and after that I tried to clear and unfortunately it happened to be an own goal.

"We didn't play at the level of our other games and we need to give merit to Vitória de Setúbal, but we are still in first place."

Two own goals for each side and a missed penalty by Cardozo at the death denies Benfica a six point lead.

Jorge Jesus decided to field an unchanged side from the mid-week win at home against Leiria. On the bench Nuno Gomes, Kardec and Éder Luís made up the back up attack.

Having been thumped 8-1 in the first half of the season, Setúbal were never going to be an easy opponent as they looked to redeem themselves from the humiliation suffered at the Luz.

Benfica took the lead at the quarter of the hour when David Luiz nodded Aimar's corner and Setúbal defender Ricardo Silva got the final touch.

David Luiz was the center of the attention in the next key events. The Brazilian cleared Neca's effort off the line and offered the equalizer with a sliced clearance on Quim's near post.

Vitória de Setúbal continued to defy the league leaders and could have snuck one in early in the second half. The home side relied on counter attacking football and had a goal disallowed from a wrong decision by the assistant.

On the other side, Benfica had two clear penalty shouts turned down by the Jorge Sousa, the man who is never far from controversy. Javi García's header was blocked by an arm as Di María was clearly brought down inside the area.

Cardozo had a golden chance to take home the three points after Kardec rightly won a penalty in injury time. The Paraguayan struck the crossbar with power and left the stadium apologising to the traveling fans.

Di María will miss the next Liga game (Belenenses at the Luz) after accumulating 5 yellow cards. Benfica continue 4 points ahead of Braga, who have two games in hand.

The «encarnados» play Sporting on Tuesday for the Carlsberg Cup semi-finals across the road.

Planet Benfica's Key Players: Di María and Fábio Coentrão

Date: Saturday 6th January 2010, 21:15 GMT PT/UK (22:15 CET)
Venue: Estádio do Bonfim, Setúbal
Competition: Liga Sagres - Jornada 18
Referee: Jorge Sousa (A. F. Porto)
Assistant Referees: José Ramalho, José Luís Melo
Fourth Referee Paulo Baptista
Attendance: 9,640
Weather: Clear 12°C - Humidity: 94% - Wind: N 1mph
TV: RTP

V. SETÚBAL - Mário Felgueiras; Collin, Zarabi, Ricardo Silva and Bruno Ribeiro (Ruben Lima 65'); Marc Zoro (c), Djikiné and Kazmierczak; Hélder Barbosa, Keita (Henrique 90') and Neca (Paulo Regula 84')
Subs: Nuno Santos, Ruben Lima, Paulo Regula, Lourenço, Rui Fonte, Ivo Pinto and Henrique
Coach: Manuel Fernandes

BENFICA - Quim; Maxi Pereira (Nuno Gomes 82'), Luisão (c), David Luiz and Fábio Coentrão; Javi García; Carlos Martins (Ramires 56'), Pablo Aimar (Alan Kardec 72') and Di María; Saviola and Cardozo
Subs: Júlio César, Miguel Vítor, Ruben Amorim, Ramires, Nuno Gomes, Alan Kardec and Éder Luís
Coach: Jorge Jesus

Disciplinary action: Yellow card to Bruno Ribeiro (25'), Carlos Martins (28'), Pablo Aimar (37'), Di María (80'), Ricardo Silva (80'), Marco Zoro (90'). Red card Neca (90' - dugout)

Highlights: Click here to watch highlights and goals
Photos: See photos from the game

Benfica have amassed 50 league goals in 18 games this season and the official site has compiled a pick of the bunch.

Benfica's last season total goal tally stood at only 4 more than what has been registered so far.

Óscar Cardozo is currently leading the charts with 16 goals in the league whilst colleague Saviola reached double figures this week with 10 attempts. Ruben Amorim scored Benfica's 50th in the 3-0 win over União de Leiria.

Let us know your favourite on the forum or give us your own suggestions.



1. Pablo Aimar vs Vitória Setúbal
The Argentine picks the ball near Setúbal's area and scores a great goal after chipping a defender.

2. Saviola vs Belenenses
Javier Saviolas bursts from his half and goes all the way in a sublime individual effort.

3. Cardozo vs Paços de Ferreira
Trademark free kick from Cardozo which curls and thunders the crossbar before going in.

4. Cardozo vs Nacional
Paraguayan striker drills home a powerful penalty.

5. Javi García vs Naval
Spanish midfielder key in victory with a last minute placed header. Di María celebrates ecstatically after his set piece.

6. Saviola vs Académica
A fantastic chip which finishes off a quality build up.

7. Saviola vs Porto
An important goal which sends Benfica clear from rivals as Saviola makes Porto pay the ultimate price.

8. Carlos Martins vs Guimarães
Cardozo's backflick sets up an unstopabble 25 yard shot from Martins. His second of the game.

9. Cardozo vs União de Leiria
One-two between Saviola and Aimar makes way for Cardozo's 16th league goal of the season.

10. Saviola vs União de Leiria
Fábio Coentrão finds the Argentine striker who muscles off a defender and finishes exquisitely at the near post.

Left-back César Peixoto and Weldon have returned to the manager's options following successful recoveries.

Carlos Martins has served his one match suspension, after being sent off for two bookable offences against Guimarães last weekend, and will travel with the squad to face Vitória de Setúbal tomorrow.

The Liga Sagres Matchweek 18 game will kick-off on 6th February 21:15 local time in Setúbal.

The 20 players called up are:

Goalkeepers: Quim and Júlio César
Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Luisão, Miguel Vítor, David Luiz and César Peixoto
Midfielders: Ramires, Javi García, Carlos Martins, Ruben Amorim, Pablo Aimar, Di María and Fábio Coentrão
Forwards: Saviola, Cardozo, Kardec, Nuno Gomes, Éder Luís and Weldon

The Argentine midfielder stated last night that he is expecting a much stronger Setúbal this time round.

Benfica applied a heavy defeat to their next opponents last August at the Estádio da Luz, winning by an astonishing margin of 8-1.

"I imagine our opponent will be looking to win the game and stop us from playing with the help of the home crowd, but I hope they aren't succesful."

"In fooball past results don't really count. They are a stronger team now, but we also hope to be better than the first round."

According to Aimar, Benfica cannot afford to rely on the previous result and become complacent, and the «number 10» believes his side are at the top of the league by their own merit.

"We can't relax when playing football. It would be an error to think we have already got something, we have 90 minutes to win a game which will be totally different to the first."

"We are at the top because we desrve to be. We have scored many goals, but at the end it's the points that will count."

Benfica have already scored 50 goals in the league in just 18 games, 4 goals short of the total tally last season.

"We are more confident and have our attack defined. We have created more opportunities than last year and looking back, that could be the reason."

Aimar recorded some good moments when he played with Saviola at River Plate, and hopes to crown a great understanding between the two with a title or more this season.

"It's true that I get on very well with Javier and I think this can be seen in the way we play. I can read his positions and he too knows where I am at every moment of the game.

The Argentine, loved by fans, praised the way they have supported the team since the beggining.

"The support hasn't just come now. When we played at Leiria the stadium was packed with Benfica fans and it was just incredible. It's a huge motivation."

Benfica are looking to go 6 points ahead of Braga tomorrow night at 21:15 local time, when they take a short journey south to face Vitória de Setúbal.

> Also read:
Upcoming February fixtures

Ruben Amorim came on as a substitute and scored a screamer from outside the area to seal the win for Benfica.

The Portuguese midfielder was happy on his return to the side after a lengthy spell of recovering from an injury occurred in December 2009.

"The goal helped the win, but it's more special for me because I have just recently returned from an injury. It wasn't one of the best phases of my career and I needed something like this."

Javi García will miss the next two games due to suspension from the league disciplinary committee, and Ruben feels he is ready to take his place should the manager choose him to.

"Javi's suspension is a loss for us. I am a player who can play in that position, as well as Airton. We will see what the manager decides. The goal I scored doesn't give me any advantage because the boss knows how I work. And I don't mind in which position I play in, it's up to the manager."

Benfica play again this Saturday at 21:15 local time at Setúbal, and are back in action for the Carlsberg Cup semi-final on Tuesday at the Alvalade stadium against Sporting.

"A Sporting-Benfica game is always complicated. But we relish the big matches and we want to retain our Carlsberg Cup title and continue to be champions in the competition. These games are normally very different, form doesn't come into play, they are special encounters and I hope we can win."

"The Setúbal game will also be difficult but we are on the right path. There are 12 games left and we want to lift the title."

"We don't tend to think about our nearest title challengers. We just have to win our games. Braga has already showed they don't feel much pressure, they are a good side, like FC Porto too. The Liga Sagres is interesting this season."

Jorge Jesus complimented the opponent after a 3-0 win over Leiria at the Luz, stating they were having an excellent season and his side played at a lower intensity due to another upcoming game.

"It was another victory, this time against the 5th placed team who are playing really well this season. It became easier for us after the first goal."

"The players were more at ease tonight in terms of intensity they played at, because we have another game coming in 2 days."

Saviola
The Argentine set up Cardozo's goal and scored the second which inevitably sealed the 3 points for Benfica.

"It's an important victory against a defensive side. It was complicated at times but we performed well and now we have to continue to win our next encounters."

Benfica take the lead in the Liga Sagres after a rampant win against 10-men Leiria which could have been far more embarrassing for the away side.

Jorge Jesus fielded a full strength side and only had César Peixoto out from his usual squad. Fábio Conetrão started at left-back, as he has many times this season, and the rest of the line-up was from the book.

Cardozo got off the mark on the 10th minute from a close range header after Saviola and Aimar teed up a one-to-one to set up a simple but quality build up to the goal.

Leiria offered little going forward and wasted a couple of good shooting positions as Benfica dominated the half with opportunities from all corners.

Saviola had the first chance of the second half after sublime play from right-back Maxi Pereira, showing off his close control skills and setting up the Argentina with a lovely back heel pass.

«El Conejo» made no mistake in his next effort after brushing of the Leiria defender and netting home near post past Djuricic with a power shot. Fábio Coentrão's vision and pass made it all possible for a 2 goal cushion.

Di María and Cardozo were both later denied great one-on-one chances with Serbian keeper Djuricic as the linesman twice called wrongly for offsides.

Many more numerous chances went to waste against a one dimensional opponent, in particularly Di María's wide effort which could have been converted by Ramires had the pass arrived.

Leiria defender Elias was sent off for two bookable offenses before Ruben Amorim sealed a great victory for the hosts with a curler from long range.

Benfica top the Liga Sagres table with 3 points advantage over Braga who still have a game in hand. Although the Lisbon side play first on the weekend against V. Setúbal and could be further ahead by the time the closest title challengers are in action.

Planet Benfica's Key Players: Saviola, Di María, Coentrão and Maxi Pereira

Date: Wednesday 3rd February 2010, 21:00 GMT PT/UK (22:00 CET)
Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisboa
Competition: Liga Sagres - Jornada 20
Referee: Marco Ferreira (A. F. Madeira)
Assistant Referees: Álvaro Mesquita, Nuno Pereira
Fourth Referee Bruno Esteves
Attendance: 33,179
Weather: Cloud/Rain 12°C - Humidity: 72% - Wind: NE 8mph
TV: SPORT TV

BENFICA - Quim; Maxi Pereira, Luisão (c), David Luiz and Fábio Coentrão; Ramires (Ruben Amorim 81'), Javi García, Pablo Aimar (Éder Luis 72') and Di Maria; Saviola (Kardec 85') and Cardozo
Subs: Júlio César, Miguel Vítor, Ruben Amorim, Felipe Menezes, Nuno Gomes, Éder Luis and Alan Kardec
Coach: Jorge Jesus

U. LEIRIA - Djuricic; Hugo Gomes (Cássio 66'), Diego Gaúcho, José António and Vítor Moreno; Pateiro (c), André Santos, Silas (Tiago Luís 81') and Elias; Carlão (Pedro Cervantes 76') and Paulo Vinícius
Subs: Hélder Godinho, Mamadou Tall, Patrick, Pedro Cervantes, Tiago Luís, Ouatarra and Cássio
Coach: Lito Vidigal

Disciplinary action: - Yellow card to Silas (13'), Elias (63') and Elias (75'). Red card to Elias (75')

Highlights: Click here to see match highlights and goals
Photos: See photos from the game

Tickets for both home and away games against Hertha Berlin are now on sale.

The first leg will be played away in Berlin, Germany, on 18th February and tickets can be purchased at the Ticket Office between 10:00 and 19:00 daily, at a cost of €17.

They will also be available through «Casas do Benfica» and in packages including flights and hotels from «Benfica Viagens».

Benfica played Hertha in Berlin last season on the 26th October, where Di María's goal was enough to secure a draw. The Lisbon club are yet to win a game in Germany and will be hoping to turn their luck around for the Europa League Last 32.

Tickets for the home encounter on the 23rd of February are also on sale, with prices ranging from €5 to €50.

> Also read:
Upcoming fixtures in February
Buy tickets on the official website