Benfica eagle mascot escapes, yet to return

The club's bird of prey is usually the progatonist of a pre-match show, but flew straight out of the Estadio de Luz before a game against Vitória.

Benfica are nicknamed 'The Eagles' for a reason. But that reason flew away in to the Lisbon sky ahead of their Primeira Liga tussle with Vitória and has yet to return.

An eagle adorns the club badge, and before matches the bird of prey usually swoops around the Estadio de Luz before kick off. Crystal Palace and Lazio - also nicknamed The Eagles - have the same pre-match show.

Benfica's eagle had other plans. The handler released it on Saturday and it promptly flew straight out of the stadium. Benfica are confident that it will return, but so far there is no trace.