Benfica eye Futsal Cup finals

SL Benfica have had to wait to repeat the success of their run to the 2003/04 UEFA Futsal Cup final but off the back of an outstanding domestic double last season, they again look like contenders to get among Europe's élite. New signings Having beaten old rivals Sporting Clube de Portugal in the league play-offs to add to their Portuguese Cup triumph, Benfica are in Europe for the third time having been pipped 7-5 on aggregate by Boomerang Interviú in the decider on their debut and missed out of the semi-finals two years ago. The Eagles have strengthened with the signing of MRA Navarra's Arnaldo Pereira and Playas de Castellón FS's Miguel Almeida to add to the likes of André Lima, Gonçalo Alves and Ricardinho. Ambition However, Benfica have suffered a major blow ahead of their campaign with goalkeeper Bebé facing a four-month absence due to a fractured wrist. Nevertheless, Benfica coach Adil Amarante remains upbeat about his team's chances as they start a week today against Politekhnik Yerevan before going on to meet Bulgarian Group 2 hosts MFC Varna and strong Ukrainian champions SK Energia. "We want to improve even more in all competitions but for that to happen we need to approach every single game with the will to win," the 41-year-old Brazilian said. "Of course we are thinking about winning the UEFA Futsal Cup but we’ll have to work very hard if we are to have a shot at that title." Experience Benfica found that out in last month’s Nations Cup in Fundao as they lost 4-2 to Castellón and 5-0 against UEFA Futsal Cup contenders Kairat Almaty before beating hosts AD Fundão 4-2 for fifth place. Worryingly ahead of the domestic season, Sporting won the tournament.