Preparations for the Champions League by Benfica include a backup plan for head coach Bruno Lage
New Striker Franjo Ivanovic Prepares for Champions League Debut with Benfica
Preparations for Benfica's upcoming Champions League clash with Nice are in full swing. The training session on Monday was a significant one, as it marked the first for new signing Franjo Ivanovic with the squad.
Ivanovic, a 21-year-old Croatian forward, recently transferred from Union Saint-Gilloise and has signed a contract with Benfica that will keep him at the club until June 2030, with a release clause of €100 million. Benfica paid €22.8 million plus up to €5 million in add-ons for the young talent, making this one of the most expensive transfers in the club's history.
Ivanovic has just joined Benfica and is competing for playing time alongside established striker Vangelis Pavlidis. Manager Bruno Lage is still evaluating the best way to utilise Ivanovic, who can play alongside, behind, or in front of Pavlidis.
As of now, there is no specific public announcement about the exact date of Ivanovic's debut for Benfica in the Champions League. However, given his recent signing and the current team dynamics, his debut could be expected early in the 2025-2026 Champions League campaign, pending selection by the coach.
Meanwhile, Tomás Araújo trained separately, two days after being part of the official start of the new season in Portugal and the red and white celebration in the south of Portugal. The training session took place at Benfica Campus, where Ivanovic also began his physical training the day after being announced as the new reinforcement for the team's attack.
The Champions League clash with Nice is scheduled for this Wednesday at 8 PM (Continental Portugal time). Franjo Ivanovic is an option for Benfica in their quest to secure a win against Nice.
In other news, Benfica recently won the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira against Sporting, with a score of 0-1. The derby was held at the Algarve Stadium. For more insights, read our related article titled: "Any Benfica coach has the conditions to be champion, but..."
[1] "Benfica Signs Franjo Ivanovic from Union Saint-Gilloise," Benfica Official Website, August 2025. [2] "Benfica Breaks Transfer Record for Franjo Ivanovic," Portuguese Football News, August 2025. [3] "Ivanovic: Benfica's New Reinforcement for the Attack," Portuguese Sports Daily, August 2025.
What position will Benfica's new striker Franjo Ivanovic primarily play in the club's European competitions, such as the Champions League?Despite rumors of his debut in the Champions League clash against Nice, the exact date of Franjo Ivanovic's debut for Benfica in the Champions League has not been publicly announced.With his recent signing and the current team dynamics, Franjo Ivanovic could make his Champions League debut for Benfica early in the 2025-2026 Champions League campaign, provided he is selected by the coach.
