The tribute to the Champions of Europe

History was made! Casa Benfica Loures beat SC Braga, by 1-3, in Nazaré, and won the Euro Winners Cup in beach soccer. The Loures City Hall made a point of welcoming the team, in a moment that included a large SL Benfica delegation, led by President Rui Costa.

Benfica beat Casa Pia, by 0-1, on matchday 2 of the Liga Bwin, a match marked by many tributes to Fernando Chalana. Before the starting whistle, a minute of silence converted into a monumental round of applause, players wearing black armbands and all with the Little Genius' name printed on the back of their jerseys.

The ceremony honoring Fernando Chalana, the Little Genius, took place this Friday, August 12, at Estádio da Luz. Previously, Chalana's body had been in state in the Basílica da Estrela, from where the funeral procession departed. Filled with emotion and symbolism, this last farewell had the massive presence of supporters, Governing Bodies, Professional Football, Youth Football, athletes from the various sports of the Club and other personalities from the universe of Sport Lisboa e Benfica. Thank You, Chalana!

Fernando Chalana's body lies in state in the Basílica da Estrela, in Lisbon, since late this Thursday afternoon, August 11. President Rui Costa, members of Sport Lisboa e Benfica's governing bodies, former teammates, and other figures from the universe of the Club and Portuguese society were present at the wake. The exequies continue on Friday, with the celebration of a mass at 2:15 pm, followed by a funeral procession to Estádio da Luz, where the stands will be open for a heartfelt tribute to Chalana (3:30 pm).