The UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of European club football, and Portuguese teams have always been a force to be reckoned with in this prestigious tournament. With their rich history and talented players, Portuguese teams offer some exciting fantasy football picks for Champions League enthusiasts.
There are three Portuguese clubs in this seasons edition of the Champions League with Benfica, FC Porto and Braga all representing the country in the tournament which is set to kick off the group stage later today.
We take a look at all three clubs and the players that can be great additions to your seasons Champions League fantasy football squad.
BENFICA
Antonio Silva – The 20 year old center back has gone from an unknown to one of the hottest prospects in Europe. The youngster is a regular in the starting XI and guaranteed to play all 90 minutes. He finished 7th in ball recoveries in last seasons competition and can chip in the odd goal on a set piece.
Otamendi – The clubs captain is a beast in the center of the field and a ball recovery king during the competition. He finished in top spot in recoveries last season and 7th during the 2021/22 campaign. The veteran will earn valuable points while costing little to acquire.
Orkun Kukcu – The newly acquired midfielder will be the creative force from the middle of the field for Benfica and if his Eredivisie player of year award received for the 2022/23 season is any indication of what fantasy managers are to expect, his addition to many fantasy squads will not be in vain.
Angel di Maria – His return to Benfica has gotten off to a flying start as the Argentinian has scored five goals in just six competitive games. He finished in the top ten in scoring in the Europa League last season with four goals and provided three helpers in the Champions League while with Juventus.
Rafa Silva – The highest valued Benfica player in many fantasy leagues this season, he is a threat almost every time he has the ball at his feet due to his incredible speed and pace. Rafa scored five goals in last seasons competition, good enough for 6th spot and provided two helpers.
FC PORTO
Diogo Costa – One of the best young keepers in the world, Costa finished 4th in saves during the competition last season and was 11th in 2021/22. Costa in that time span also has kept six clean sheets. He stopped three attempts from the penalty spot last season, tops in the competition.
Ivan Jaime – The midfield/winger had an incredible season with Famalicao last year, earning himself a move to Porto during the summer. He is just talented enough to take a chance on during the fantasy season and his low cost value makes the addition very intriguing.
Pepe – He plays a variety of positions for the club from the back four to the midfield and to the attack. He has yet to register a point in the competition the past two seasons but that has more to do with his usage all over the field. Pepe’s talent is too good to ignore and he can be had at a decent price.
Taremi – The striker continues to do what he does best and that is score goals for Porto. He finished in the top ten in scoring during last seasons competition and is the clubs main penalty taker. His regular place in the starting XI makes him a valued member of any fantasy squad.
Gabriel Borges – This youngster is getting regularly minutes with the main squad this season and was a member of Porto’s UEFA Youth League winning squad in 2018/19. He is a perfect stash option in deep leagues and could be an amazing late season regular add to your starting XI.
BRAGA
Matheus – The keeper should see his fair share of shots during the fantasy campaign with two elite clubs in Braga’s Champions League group. He finished last season in the Top 30 in saves during the Europa League campaign and after finishing in the Top 5 the previous Europa campaign.
Al Musrati – He gets his first crack on the main stage and will show why he is one of the better defensive midfielders in Portugal. Musrati finished 11th in ball recoveries during the Europa League 2021/22 edition and with his regular minutes in the starting XI is a value edition to top heavy fantasy squads.
Ricardo Horta – Win, Lose or Draw, Horta is the main man at Braga and seems to be involved in the clubs scoring on a regular basis as can be seen by his five helpers in the qualification stage this year. This is also Horta’s first crack in Champions League and he will look to add his mark.