Benfica coach Marco Silva is bracing for what he has called a punishing stretch of matches in August, with the Portuguese club facing six fixtures of maximum demand in just 24 days, a number that could rise to eight depending on results in Europe.
The run is expected to test the physical and mental limits of Silva's squad. The schedule is described as merciless, with games coming at a relentless pace in a stretch where any mistake could jeopardize the club's hopes for the entire season, all in the first month of competition.
Benfica's survival in the Europa League begins on Thursday against Scottish side Hearts, in the first leg of the third qualifying round. The return leg follows a week later in Scotland.
A playoff would add two more games
Should Benfica get through, the club would have to add two further matches and another trip abroad to an already packed calendar, facing the winner of the tie between Denmark's Aarhus and Azerbaijan's Sabah for a place in the Europa League playoff round. In that scenario, Benfica would play the first leg at home, at the Estadio da Luz, on August 20. European success would mean a competitive marathon in which rest time is reduced to an absolute minimum.
Four league matches also due in August
Beyond the Europa League, Silva's team must also play four matches in the Primeira Liga this month. The first comes against newly promoted Academico de Viseu next Sunday at the Estadio da Luz, played behind closed doors.
Benfica then travels to face Casa Pia and Moreirense before closing out the month by hosting Estoril at home.
Squad management under pressure
With no room to breathe, managing the squad will be pushed to the limit during a period when the transfer window is still open. Silva is under pressure and is hoping club president Rui Costa can land the reinforcements needed to give Benfica the quality to respond successfully across every competition it faces this season.
Fenerbahce joins race for Pavlidis
Vangelis Pavlidis remains undisputed as Silva's first-choice striker, but after Barcelona's interest, Turkish club Fenerbahce is now also targeting the Greek forward. According to the Turkish press, Pavlidis is Fenerbahce's priority target to strengthen its attack. Benfica, however, has refused to sell the striker, who scored four goals against Swiss side St. Gallen.
Jonathan Jesus deal grows harder
A move for Cruzeiro defender Jonathan Jesus is becoming more difficult, with the Brazilian club's unwillingness to soften its demands pushing Benfica away from a deal. Cruzeiro is asking 22 million euros for the central defender.
Silva said he was convinced Benfica would get through the qualifying tie.
