Fernando Chalana: a year of longing

This Tuesday, February 25, marks 11 years since the death of one of the most iconic captains in the history of Sport Lisboa e Benfica. On a day marked by immense longing, we remember Mário Coluna, the eternal leader who became a two-time European champion with an eagle on his chest, an emblem for which he also won 10 National Championships and 6 Portuguese Cups. A Sacred Monster... Unforgettable, Mr. Coluna!

José Augusto opened the scoring, António Simões made it solid with the fourth goal and Pérides helped fill the pitch in SL Benfica's biggest ever win against Real Madrid, 5-1 - which was also the meringues' first ever defeat in the European Cup. On February 24, 1965, in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the competition that would evolve into the Champions League, the Estádio da Luz hosted an iconic European night for the Glorioso. The three legends, 60 years later, listened to Emissora Nacional's commentary of the game and relived the magical moments in their own detail. 

Little Genius to many, simply Chalana to others, one of the most remarkable and iconic football players in the centenary history of Sport Lisboa e Benfica. This Monday, February 10, marks the 66th anniversary of the birth of Fernando Chalana, who wore the Manto Sagrado for 13 seasons (1974/75 to 1983/84 and 1987/88 to 1989/90) and left us on August 10, 2022. Forever in our hearts!

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).