Rafa Silva eyes Benfica history at Bernabéu, standout stat impresses | OneFootball

Rafa Silva (who scored with a backheel against AFS SAD) is preparing for a special night at the Santiago Bernabéu, where he is set to play his 50th Champions League match wearing the Benfica shirt. This number also includes the ten matches played in the competition’s preliminary rounds, further highlighting the European consistency of the number 27 for the Eagles.

In addition to his collective contribution, the forward wants to cement a prominent status in the club’s history. Since the main European competition was renamed the Champions League in 1992, no one has scored more goals for Benfica than Rafa Silva. The Portuguese international has netted 13 goals, a tally that also includes qualifying matches.

The player’s current form is positive. Rafa Silva recently returned to scoring against AFS SAD, a goal that made him the top Portuguese scorer for Benfica in the 21st century, reinforcing the importance he holds in the team’s attacking play.

The clash in Madrid will also carry historical significance for the club from Luz. The Eagles return to the home of Real Madrid… 61 years after their only previous visit to the legendary Spanish stadium, a fact that helps explain the anticipation surrounding the match.

That trip dates back to March 17, 1965, when Benfica lost 2-1, despite a goal from Eusébio. Even so, the defeat had a positive outcome: the Eagles had thrashed 5-1 in the first leg and advanced in the competition, only being stopped in the final against Inter Milan.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.