Benfica team in turmoil due to Florentino's unusual demand
Benfica and Fenerbahçe Set for Exciting Champions League Playoff Clash
Florentino Luís, Benfica's midfielder, celebrated his 26th birthday around August 18-19, 2025, with warm wishes from his team and the club. The occasion was marked by a heartfelt video released by Benfica, showing his teammates singing him 'Happy Birthday' [1].
As Benfica prepares to face Fenerbahçe in the Champions League playoff round, the celebration comes at a crucial time. The first leg of the tie is scheduled for August 20, 2025, in Turkey, with the second leg to be held at Benfica's home stadium, the Estádio da Luz, on August 27 [2].
The outcome of this playoff series will determine which team advances to the group stage of the Champions League. Coach Bruno Lage has emphasized the importance of team unity, focusing on securing a good result and progression to the next round [3].
Florentino Luís, who considers his teammates as his second family, has expressed his strong desire to contribute to the team's success in the Champions League [1]. In a recent interview, he stated that the best gift he could receive would be winning the game against Fenerbahçe on Wednesday [4].
Benfica is currently in Istanbul, preparing for the first leg of the playoff round. The second leg will be played at the Estádio da Luz, where José Mourinho's team will receive Fenerbahçe on August 27 [2]. The Champions League playoff round between Benfica and Fenerbahçe is set to be an exciting and competitive series [5].
Background
The celebration of Florentino Luís' birthday took place during an intense preparation period for Benfica, including return to training and overcoming injuries, with the team fully focused on pushing through the qualifying rounds of the Champions League [1]. The affection shown to Florentino reflected his importance in the squad as they approached this crucial phase of the season.
After receiving the birthday wishes, Florentino expressed his gratitude. The video received applause and cheers from his teammates after his speech [4]. This sets the background of Florentino’s birthday amid Benfica’s Champions League aspirations and team preparation leading up to the high-stakes playoff against Fenerbahçe.
References:
- Benfica releases celebratory video for Florentino Luís' 26th birthday
- Benfica to host Fenerbahçe in second leg of Champions League playoff round
- Bruno Lage: "We need to win the game against Fenerbahçe to advance to the group stage"
- Florentino Luís: "I want to win the game against Fenerbahçe and advance to the next round"
- Champions League playoff round between Benfica and Fenerbahçe to be an exciting and competitive series
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