"Benfica fans are never alone!"

No heat wave or storm can dampen an inexhaustible passion for Benfica. Benfica fans prove it every day, every moment, every hour, minute, and second, as we saw this afternoon in the United States.

In Orlando, the loyal followers of the Glorioso began to show up on the eve of the Benfica-Auckland City match (6-0), on matchday 2 of Group C of the Club World Cup, anticipating the happy reunion with their idols.

Around the city, in the vicinity of the Inter&Co Stadium, Benfica fans were already making their presence felt, wearing the Sacred Mantle.

Friday morning dawned with hot sun, high humidity, and the enthusiasm of those who cannot explain the passion that drives them. Benfica fans gradually made their way to the stadium. Some traveled in groups, others lined up as such, in friendships forged in the haven of a bright and passionate red.

José Guimarães, 56, who has been in the United States since 1986, was in Miami to watch Boca Juniors-Benfica, and, accompanied by Óscar Barroso, 41, and their respective families, they traveled to Orlando to follow the Eagles, emphasizing the purpose that unites them. "This feeling, Benfica spirit, is amplified when we are far away. Just talking about Benfica gives me goosebumps," he said.

The former employee of a computer company spoke of the “illness” he feels for Benfica. "When they lose, I can't even watch TV!" he exclaimed. Óscar Barroso goes even further. "I'm really crazy, I follow everything, and when Benfica doesn't win, I can't even watch BTV," he said proudly.

Sandro Amarante, 46, and his son Rodrigo, 14, communicate in English and Creole, but they share a common passion that is evident in their attire. “It's a unique feeling to be here supporting Benfica,” confessed the father, who recently traveled from Boston to Orlando and is always ready to embrace his Cape Verdean roots, idolizing Renato Sanches. “My son is also passionate about Benfica,” he added, after translating the question we asked the young center back. “Benfica is everywhere,” Sandro praised.

Manuel Mamede, 52, left Vila de Frades, in Alentejo, to follow Benfica in Miami and Orlando, finding a fellow fan in 23-year-old João Sequeira, from Lisbon, both affirming themselves with the motto “always present.”

“We always meet Benfica fans, it's great. It's the camaraderie! There's always a Benfica fan everywhere. I've even met people who came from Canada! Benfica fans are never alone,” confirmed Manuel Mamede.

The display of pure Benfica spirit continued inside the stadium... About an hour and a half before kick-off, chants of “Benfica!” could be heard from the stands of the Inter&Co Stadium, amplified when Bruno Lage's players took to the field to get a feel for the pitch and the stadium, as well as the fans already cheering them on.

The promotion of Ser Benfiquista by Kökcü, in English, and António Silva, in Portuguese, was the motto for the first rehearsal of a spontaneously organized choir. Among the many Benfica fans were representatives from the Sport Newark and Benfica branch.

In the opening minutes of the game, Benfica fans revived an old tradition from the former Estádio da Luz. Chanting songs such as “Eu amo o Benfica” (I love Benfica) and “Força, Benfica!” (Come on, Benfica!), they kept time by stamping their feet on the metal structure of the stadium, creating a contagious noise for the players, who tried to respond. The first goal came just before halftime and began to add color to the party.

This continued even during the long interruption of the match due to the storm that ravaged the city for about two hours, accompanied by rain and thunder, which, in the United States, makes outdoor sports unfeasible. While waiting patiently, they sang the ever-present Benfica chants such as “Eu amo o Benfica” (I love Benfica), “O amor da minha vida” (The love of my life), or “SLB, Glorioso, SLB” (SLB, Glorious, SLB).

When the storm subsided, they returned to the stands that had been evacuated for safety reasons and continued their characteristic and vibrant show.

The second half was a real festival for the vast majority of the 6,730 spectators present at the stadium. Benfica's strength came to the fore once again, with the fans chanting “Benfica, allez!” and “Força, Benfica,” pushing the team to an emphatic victory.

In the end, the team paid a fitting tribute to the Benfica fans, who gave them a standing ovation and applauded what they had seen and experienced. António Silva, on his way out, gave his jersey to a fan, while the athletes left to loud applause and with the chant “Eu amo o Benfica” (“I love Benfica”), heard in the Cathedral, as the soundtrack to an afternoon full of mystique and fervor. It was the Benfica way!