After a flawless run in the regular phase, with 22 wins in as many rounds, and winning the Taça de Portugal and the Taça da Liga against the same opponent as today (4-1 on both occasions) and, at the start of this season the Super Cup was also played by the Fafenses (4-3 in the penalty shoot-out), this Saturday Benfica confirmed its total hegemony in the sport of recent years by becoming national champions for the sixth time in a row.
In a balanced game in which they had to suffer to the end and in which they even started to lose, Benfica managed to manage the advantage gained and let their experience prevail.
Nun’Álvares was called out in defeat and came close to a draw a few times, some 12 seconds from time, with a shot that hit Carla Vanessa on the crossbar.
In the fourth game of the final, after winning the first and third games (2-0 and 4-1), against only one of the fafenses in the second meeting (1-0), Nun’Álvares scored first, via Taninha (four minutes).
However, a strong reaction from the ‘eagles’ turned the score around in the first half, with goals from Fifó (06 and 18, the first a big ‘hat’ for the opposing goalkeeper, ahead of midfield) and Angélica Alves (18), with the home side reduced at the end of the break by Carla Vanessa (20), in a header after a long pass from her goalkeeper.
In the second half, the tone was even and Angélica Alves scored twice after an excellent collective action from Benfica (29 minutes).
Two minutes later, Nun’Álvares reduced, with Cátia Morgado completing a swift counterattack. Under pressure from the supporters, the home side believed in the draw and in the 35th minute only Ana Catarina, with a great exit from the goal, prevented Káká’s shot.
In the immediate reaction, it was Maria Odete Rocha who did the same with Sara Ferreira’s attempt.
The Benfica goalkeeper was back in the game in the 37th minute and blocked Carla Vanessa’s first shot.
With a minute and a half to play, the Fafenses did without the goalkeeper to assert the superiority of five outfield players and Carla Vanessa sent the ball to the iron, but the result remained the same.
Nun’Álvares Pavilion, in Fafe.
Nun’Alvares — Benfica, 3-4.
At halftime: 2-3.
Labels:
1-0, Taninha, 04 minutes.
1-1 Fifo, 06.
1-2, Angelica Alves, 18.
1-3, Fifo, 18.
2-3, Carla Vanessa, 20.
2-4, Angelica Alves, 29.
3-4, Catia Morgado, 31.
Teams:
– Nun’Álvares: Maria Odete Rocha, Cátia Balona, Pisko, Liana and Carla Vanessa. Ana Pires, Cátia Morgado, Taninha and Káká also played.
Trainer: Bruno Silva.
– Benfica: Ana Catarina, Inês Fernandes, Janice Silva, Sara Ferreira and Fifó. Maria Pereira, Inês Matos, Angélica Alves and Raquel Santos also played.
Trainer: Alexandre Pinto.
Referee: Bruno Sa Rocha (Viana do Castelo).
Disciplinary action: Yellow card for Raquel Santos (09), Angélica Alves (09), Janice Silva (40).
Attendance: about 1,000 spectators.
Source: DN
