Benfica eagle mascot escapes, returns 24 hours later
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.
Update:
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.
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. The club announced on social media on Sunday evening that the eagle has landed, safely, back at the stadium.
