Benfica v Blackburn Rovers preview

9:39am Friday 25th July 2008

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ROVERS come face to face with one of Europe’s great football clubs tonight when they take on Benfica in the Guardiana Cup.

The Lisbon giants conjure up memories of their back-to-back European Cup wins of 1961 and 1962, inspired by the mercurial Eusebio.

However, their success on the European front has wavered in recent decades, as city rivals Porto have enjoyed greater success.

But Benfica remain a major force packed with international stars that are set to tackle Rovers at the Vila Real de Santo Antonio Stadium, in the Algarve.

Their most recognised star is captain and striker Nuno Gomes, who helped Portugal eliminate England in the 2004 European Championships, while midfielder Petit was part of the Portugal side that dumped out the Three Lions in the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals.

Brazilian defender Luisão is another star man at Benfica, while they recently recruited former Valencia playmaker Pablo Aimar from Real Zaragoza for just over £5million.