S.L. Benfica (volleyball)

Sport Lisboa e Benfica (Portuguese pronunciation: [sɨˈpɔɾ liʒˈβoɐ i βɐ̃jˈfikɐ] ⓘ), commonly known as Benfica, is a professional volleyball team based in Lisbon, Portugal, that plays in the Portuguese First Division, where they are the current champions.

Benfica
Full nameSport Lisboa e Benfica
NicknameAs Águias (The Eagles)
Os Encarnados (The Reds)
Founded31 May 1939 (1939-05-31)
GroundPavilhão da Luz Nº 2
(Capacity: 1,800)
ManagerMarcel Matz[1]
CaptainHugo Gaspar
LeagueLeague A1
2022–23Champions
WebsiteClub home page
Uniforms
Home
Away
Championships
11
Active departments of S.L. Benfica
Football
(men's)		 Football B
(men's)		 Football U19
(men's)
Football
(women's)		 Futsal Roller hockey
Basketball Handball Volleyball
Athletics Swimming Rugby union
Table tennis Billiards Canoeing

Founded in 1939, Benfica have won 11 Portuguese league titles, a record 20 Portuguese Cup and a record 12 Portuguese Super Cup. As of April 2022, Benfica is ranked 23rd in the men's European clubs ranking.[2]

History

Beginning

Founded on 31 May 1939, Benfica is one of the oldest Portuguese volleyball teams.[3] Not having the success and notability of other club sections such as basketball and roller hockey, Benfica's volleyball team won their first title 27 years after being founded.

Road to the first title

From 1965–66 to 1979–80, Benfica played ten Portuguese Cup finals, winning seven.[4] In 1980–81, led by coach Fernando Luís, Benfica finally achieved their first league title, with players such as Luís Quelhas, Manuel Silva, Jorge Infante, José Barros, João Abelho, Pedro Barros, Ilídio Ramos, and already with a young José Jardim appearing in some matches.[5]

Second title and disbandment

In a vibrating match against local rivals Sporting CP, trailing 2–0 at Nave de Alvalade, Benfica, now led by captain José Jardim, alongside teammates Nuno Brites, Luís Quelhas, Nilson Júnior, Eduardo Gallina, Miguel Silva, Márcio Karas, Davidkov, and Radoslav Peytchev, managed to recover the disadvantage and win the match 3–2, claiming their second title.[6][7][8]

In the 1993–94 season, then club president Jorge de Brito decided to disband the volleyball team. The following president, João Vale e Azevedo, restarted it in 1996–97 but in the Third Division. Former player José Jardim led Benfica back to the first tier in 2000 with the help of players such as André Cabacinha, Nuno Brites, António Silva, and captain José Fernandez.[9][10]

Third title

In 2004–05, with coach José Jardim and players such as Brazilians Adriano Lamb, Renato Júnior, André França, Roberto Purificação, André Lukianetz, as well as Portuguese players André Lopes, Carlos Teixeira, António Silva, Rui Guedes, António Seco, José Simões, Bruno Feteira, and Pedro Fiúza, Benfica won the third title for the section, plus their 11th Portuguese Cup.[11][12]

Between championships

The next season, important players, such as Adriano Lamb, Renato Junior and André França, left, and Benfica only managed to win the Portuguese Cup[12][13] and reach the quarter-finals of CEV Top Teams Cup.[14]

In the 2006–07 season, Benfica won their third Portuguese Cup in a row and 12th overall.[15]

Three years later, in 2010–11, Benfica signed Hugo Gaspar and Flávio Cruz, who were later joined by Roberto Reis in 2011–12,[16][17] all players from the Portugal national team.[18] In spite of these investments, the team failed to win the league, coming runners-up to Fonte Bastardo in the first season, and then to Sporting de Espinho in the second one.[19][20] Nevertheless, Benfica managed to win the Portuguese Cup and Super Cup in 2010–11,[21][22] and another Portuguese Cup in 2011–12.[23]

Back-to-back titles

In 2012–13, Portuguese international Flávio Cruz left for Espinho and was replaced by Brazilian Willian Reffati.[24][25] A new setter, Brazilian Rafael "Vinhedo", was also contracted to replace Ronaldo "Royal" and Robert Koch.[26] Benfica started the season by winning their third Super Cup, defeating Espinho 3–0.[27]

On 4 May 2013, Benfica defeated league title holders Espinho 3–2 and conquered their fourth championship, after a seven-year wait and three consecutive second places.[28] After SC Espinho protested at the Portuguese Volleyball Federation on a basis of a technical error, the final match was annulled and scheduled to be replayed on 12 May. Still, Benfica won the replay match 3–1.[28][29] In the following season, on 4 May 2014, Benfica successfully defended their league title by defeating Fonte Bastardo 3–1; consequently, they secured their first back-to-back titles ever.[30]

On 9 May 2015, Benfica won a third consecutive league title for the first time in their history, winning away 3–0 away to Fonte Bastardo in the fifth and final match (3–2).[31] Moreover, Benfica also won the Portuguese Cup and Super Cup, thus winning all domestic competitions. On 3 October 2015, Benfica won a fifth consecutive Super Cup and became the club with most trophies in that competition (6).[32]

International competition results

Note: Benfica score is always listed first.

Players

Current squad
As of 12 October 2019[40][41]
No. Nationality Player Birthdate Height Position
1 BrazilRaphael Oliveira (1984-03-08) 8 March 1984195Outside hitter
3 PortugalAndré Lopes (1982-09-12) 12 September 1982195Outside hitter
4 AustriaPeter Wohlfahrtstätter (1989-03-10) 10 March 1989204Middle blocker
7 PortugalIvo Casas (1992-09-21) 21 September 1992180Libero
8 PortugalHugo Gaspar (captain) (1982-09-02) 2 September 1982201Opposite hitter
9 Trinidad and TobagoMarc-Anthony Honoré (1984-06-12) 12 June 1984198Middle blocker
10 PortugalAfonso Guerreiro (1994-12-28) 28 December 1994200Outside hitter
11 BrazilThéo Lopes (1983-08-31) 31 August 1983199Opposite hitter
14 PortugalMiguel Sinfrónio (1999-03-18) 18 March 1999192Middle blocker
16 BrazilFlávio "Zelão" Soares (1982-08-16) 16 August 1982198Middle blocker
17 PortugalTiago Violas (1989-03-27) 27 March 1989192Setter
18 BrazilAndré Aleixo (1990-12-21) 21 December 1990190Outside hitter
20 PortugalNuno Pinheiro (1984-12-31) 31 December 1984193Setter
22 PortugalJoão Simões (1999-04-17) 17 April 1999180Libero

Out on loan

[42]

  • Portugal José Jardim at Sporting Clube das Caldas
  • Portugal João Alves at Vitória S.C.

Honours

According to Benfica's official website[43]

Domestic
Winners (11): 1980–81, 1990–91, 2004–05, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2016–17, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23
Winners (20) – record: 1965–66, 1973–74, 1974–75, 1975–76, 1977–78, 1978–79, 1979–80, 1989–90, 1991–92, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2021–22, 2022–23
Winners (12) – record: 1990, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023

European
Runners-up: 2014–15

Women's
Winners (9): 1966–67, 1967–68, 1968–69, 1969–70, 1970–71, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74, 1974–75
Winners (2): 1972–73, 1973–74

References
  1. Trindade, João Paulo (29 May 2018). "Marcel Matz é o novo treinador de voleibol" [Marcel Matz is the new volleyball coach]. S.L. Benfica (in Portuguese). Retrieved 31 May 2018.
  2. Eurotopteam
  3. Alberto Miguéns (21 October 2011). "Uma Por Semana: Voleibol" [One per week: Volleyball]. Em Defesa do Benfica. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  4. Alberto Miguéns (2 April 2012). "Obrigado! Querido! Benfica!" [Thank you, dear Benfica]. Em Defesa do Benfica. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  5. Carlos Perdigão; António M. Morais; José de Oliveira Santos (1989). Benfica 85 anos de História [Benfica 85 years of History] (in Portuguese) (1 ed.). Portugal: Edição JML. p. 76. Depósito Legal [Deposit number]: 32848/89.
  6. Alberto Miguéns (5 October 2011). "Dia 39 302 SLB" [Day 39 302 SLB]. Em Defesa do Benfica. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  7. "Voleibol: "Velhas" glórias sofrem no banco" [Volleyball: "Old" players suffer on the bench]. Record. 15 April 2005. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  8. "Voleibol: Jogo especial marca reencontro de amigos" [Volleyball: Special match sets new friends gathering]. Record (in Portuguese). 31 October 2007. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  9. Carlos Martiano (21 March 2000). "José Jardim: "Voleibolistas do Benfica são amadores profissionais" [José Jardim: Benfica's volleyball players are profissional... amateurs]. Record. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  10. "Voleibol: Benfica regressa ao escalão principal" [Volleyball: Benfica return to top tier]. Record (in Portuguese). 19 March 2000. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  11. "Voleibol: Benfica candidato a lugares de topo" [Volleyball: Benfica is contender for top placings]. Record (in Portuguese). 30 September 2004. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  12. "Voleibol: Águias confiantes querem voar alto" [Volleyball: Confident eagles want to fly high]. Record (in Portuguese). 24 September 2005. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  13. "Voleibol: Benfica reconquista Taça de Portugal" [Volleyball: Benfica retain Portuguese Cup]. Record (in Portuguese). 28 February 2006. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  14. "Voleibol: Benfica afastado da Top Teams Cup" [Benfica knocked out of Top Teams Cup]. Record (in Portuguese). 18 January 2006. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  15. "Voleibol: Benfica conquista 12.ª Taça de Portugal" [Benfica conquer their 12th Portuguese Cup]. Record (in Portuguese). 25 April 2007. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  16. "Hugo Gaspar é reforço do Benfica" [Hugo Gaspar joins Benfica]. Expresso. 2 July 2010. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  17. Ângela Marques; Marco Rebelo (12 April 2012). "Flávio Cruz e Roberto Reis confessam paixões" [Flávio Cruz and Roberto Reis confess their passions]. S.L. Benfica. Archived from the original on 17 May 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  18. "Convocatória Liga Mundial 2012" [Squad list for the 2012 World League]. Voleibolportugues. 7 April 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  19. "Fonte Bastardo campeão pela primeira vez" [Fonte Bastardo are champions for the first time]. Público. 30 April 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  20. "Sp. Espinho campeão na Luz" [Espinho become champions at Luz]. Público. 5 May 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  21. "Kibinho: "Quero deixar a minha marca no Benfica"" [Kibinho: "I want to leave my mark at Benfica"]. Record (in Portuguese). 30 June 2011. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  22. "Benfica vence Fonte Bastardo e conquista Supertaça de Voleibol" [Benfica beat Fonte Bastardo and conquer Volleyball Super Cup]. Jornal de Notícias. 5 October 2011. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  23. "Benfica conquista Taça de Portugal" [Benfica conquer Portuguese Cup]. Record (in Portuguese). 1 April 2012. Archived from the original on 2 April 2012. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  24. "Benfica contrata Flávio Cruz" [Benfica sign Flávio Cruz]. SAPO Desporto (in Portuguese). 15 July 2013. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  25. "Reffati acerta com Benfica" [Reffati signs for Benfica]. Noticiasmundovolei. 24 July 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  26. "Vinhedo no Benfica" [Vinhedo signs for Benfica]. Noticiasmundovolei. 24 July 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  27. "SC Espinho – Benfica, 0–3: Voleibol conquista 3.ª Supertaça" [SC Espinho – Benfica, 0–3: Volleyball team win third Super Cup]. Record (in Portuguese). 23 June 2018. Retrieved 5 October 2012.
  28. "Finalíssima entre Benfica e Sp. Espinho para repetir" [Final between Benfica and Espinho to be replayed]. Record (in Portuguese). 8 May 2013. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  29. "Benfica-Sp. Espinho, 3–1". Record (in Portuguese). 12 May 2013. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  30. "Benfica revalida título de campeão" [Benfica retain league title]. Record (in Portuguese). 4 May 2014. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  31. "Benfica tricampeão nacional" [Benfica "tri" national champions]. Record (in Portuguese). 9 May 2015. Archived from the original on 9 May 2015. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  32. "Benfica faz o 'penta' na Supertaça de voleibol".
  33. "CEV – Confédération Européenne de Volleyball". cev.lu.
  34. "Benfica segue em frente na "Challenge Cup" de voleibol". 19 November 2015.
  35. "Benfica qualifica-se para os 'oitavos' da Taça Challenge de voleibol".
  36. "Voleibol: Benfica nos "quartos" da Taça Challenge".
  37. "CEV – Confédération Européenne de Volleyball". Archived from the original on 23 March 2016.
  38. "CEV – Confédération Européenne de Volleyball". Archived from the original on 23 March 2016.
  39. "CEV – Confédération Européenne de Volleyball". Archived from the original on 23 March 2016.
  40. "Equipa principal" [Main squad]. S.L. Benfica (in Portuguese). Retrieved 24 December 2018.
  41. "Voleibol já iniciou a pré-época" [Volleyball team has started pre-season]. S.L. Benfica (in Portuguese). 16 August 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
  42. "Empréstimos no voleibol" [Volleyball loans]. S.L Benfica (in Portuguese). 6 July 2017. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  43. "Palmarés" [Achievements]. SL Benfica.pt. 7 August 2012.
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