Benfica defense weakened further?

Marcelo Kiremidjian, l'agent de Cleber Anderson, nous a confirmé l'information. « Normalement, sauf changement de dernière minute, c'est lui que Lyon a choisi », indique l'oeil de l'OL au Brésil, qui précise même que Cleber Anderson «arrivera ce soir (mercredi soir) ou demain (jeudi) matin à Lyon et passera sa visite médicale demain (jeudi) matin ».

Source: L'EQUIPE.FR Football - Lyon choisit Cleber Anderson

Since I don't speak French, technically I don't know if the above really means he's currently in Lyon for the medical. But his name is already missing from Benfica's Wikipedia entry. And I do know it'd improve our chances of Champions League this year, especially since Luisao is out on suspension for the 2nd leg.

Benfica news and... "notícia"?

Costa pathos

With so many players having their careers guided by agents and motivated by cold-blooded, cool-headed monetary considerations and advertising contracts we rarely get to see a player whose hot-blooded love for a club continues to gush uncontrollably from the bottom of his heart. It may be old school but it’s a lesson that Rui Costa continues to deliver in style.

Source: Goal.com - Editorial/Comment - Rui Costa: Lessons From The Maestro

Luisao doubtful for 2^nd leg

"(Luisao) is not fit enough to play the friendly against Algeria on August 22," said a statement from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

Source: Sporting Life / INJURED LUISAO OUT OF BRAZIL SQUAD

It was Adu's debut (woo-hoo!)

Adu was inserted as an attacking midfielder, but drifted out to the wings in an attempt to find some space to operate. As the new boy in town, he limited himself to quick, snappy passes instead of trying to run at defenders. Early in the second half, Adu sent a pass to the Paraguayan Oscar Cardozo, whose header was stopped by goalkeeper Jesper Christiansen. Late in the game, Adu attempted a bicycle kick, but his shot went wide of the goal.

Source: NY Times soccer blog / Adus European Debut

Notícia from Mais futebol

Player's Union says something about Anderson. Source: Anderson recebe nota de culpa até sexta-feira

Katsouranis will play for Greece against Spain. Source: Katsouranis chamado para o particular entre Grécia e Espanha

Leixões coach comments on this weekend's league opening game vs Benfica. Source: Carlos Brito e o jogo com o Benfica: «Não seremos subservientes nem arrogantes»

20K+ spectators expected for Leixões-Benfica. Source: Leixões-Benfica: mais de 20 mil espectadores no Estádio do Bessa

...I think. Because I don't know Portuguese.