Benfica end talks with Chelsea over David Luiz

Benfica have announced a statement through the Portuguese stock exchange that they have called off talks with Chelsea over central defender David Luiz. The clubs have been in hard negotiations over the past week but were unable to come to an agreement. Benfica also announced that they are happy to be keeping David Luiz with the club.

Benfica win in Taca and advance to face Porto in Semi

Benfica continued their good form as they defeated Rio Ave in Quarter-Final action in the Taca de Portugal and now advance to take on rivals FC Porto in a home and away encounter with the first leg taking place on February 2nd and the second leg on April 19th.

Benfica got two goals from striker Oscar Cardozo with the first coming from the penalty spot in the first half and the second late in the game, of note their were four penalty kicks awarded in the game with Benfica awarded three and Rio Ave one.

David Luiz took Benfica's second penalty which was quite unusual and he failed to score this could be a sign that the defender is on his way out and the club was looking at having him score one final goal as an Eagle.

Braga lay a thumping on Portimonense

Braga opened up the second half of the Portuguese League with a convincing 3-0 victory over lowly Portimonense as last seasons runner-up looks to regain their form, the victory moved Braga into fifth place in the league.

Braga was held by Portimonense to a scoreless first half before Helder Barbosa finally opened up the scoring six minutes into the second half as his low shot evaded the Portimonense keeper. Lima then doubled the score for the visitors at the 58 minute mark as he quickly got to a Rodriguez rebound. Braga scored their third goal of the game and the half when Alan struck a beauty from just outside the penalty area

Benfica acquire Olhanense defender Jardel

Benfica has announced on its Official website the acquisition of Olhanense central defender Jardel Nivaldo Vieira. The 24 year old Brazilian is set to take medical exams in Lisbon and then sign with the club until 2015/16.

Jardel has appeared in all 15 games for Olhanense this season scoring one goal and picking up four yellow cards, the acquisition of the central defender looks set to replace David Luiz as the Benfica central defender is a wanted man around Europe with Chelsea, Manchester City among the teams interested in his services

Helio Sousa names U19 squad for tournament

Helio Sousa has named his squad for the U19 tournament that will be held in Spain in February. Portugal get set to take on Slovakia, Norway and Sweden on the 7th, 9th and 11th.

The squad is:

Barcelona (Spain): Luis Gustavo.

Belenenses: Adolfo Leite.

Benfica: Francisco Junior, Luis Martins, Ruben Pinto.

FC Porto: David Bruno, Fabio Nunes, Filipe Barros, Ricardo Ferreira,Tiago Maia.

Louletano: Joao Reis.

Rio Ave: Andre Dias.

Sporting: Agostinho Ca, Betinho, Bruma, Luis Ribeiro, Ricardo Esgaio, Taira.

U. Leiria: Ricardo Cardoso.

Guimaraes: Joao Amorim, Josue, Paulo Oliveira e Tiago Rodrigues.

Setubal open Week 15 with shootout win over Portimonense

Setubal have opened Week 15 of the Portuguese League with a shootout victory over Portimonense, marking the half way point of the season for both clubs as they hover around the bottom of the league.

Setubal's Pitbull converted a penalty kick at the 15th minute mark after Valdomiro was dragged down in the box. Portimonense then replied with a pair of goals just two minutes apart as Lito headed in a free kick at the 29 minute mark and then a mishap in the defensive zone sent Pires in alone and he did not make a mistake.

Then second half saw Setubal bring the game to even just two minutes in when Ney Santos shot from a distance was mishandled by Ventura and ended up in the net. Pitbull gave Setubal then lead once again when he converted another penalty after Jailson was hauled down in the box. Setubal made it 4-2 at the 75th minute mark as Henrique headed home a cross. Portimonense cut the lead to one late but it was not enough.

Benfica make first move of the January transfer window

Benfica have completed their first move of the January transfer season, securing the acquisition of Argentinian Jose Luis Fernandez from Racing Club. The 23 year old winger is 5 foot 6 and has scored 3 goals in 39 appearances for Racing.

Fernandez also earned his first cap for Argentina when he made an appearance against Haiti. Benfica is said to have paid $1.5 million euros for Fernandez and have him signed until 2015 with a $20 million buyout clause.

Portugal announce venues for friendlies

Portugal have announced the venues that they will be using in their friendly encounters against Chile and Finland in March. Portugal will host Chile on March 26/11 in Leiria at Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa Stadium while the match against Finland on March 29/11 will take place in Aveiro Municipal Stadium. Portugal will also take on Argentina on February 9/11 at Emirates Stadium in London.