And they go 11 consecutive wins and four games away from home without conceding a goal! Benfica passed the test in Famalicão on Saturday, beating the local team 0-1, a result guaranteed only in the second half and allowing the eagles to retain the isolated I Liga lead.
Deprived of two key players, João Mário and Gonçalo Ramos, both sent off in the previous round with Vizela and serving suspension, Roger Smith debuted German reinforcement Draxler (ex-PSG) in place of the Portuguese midfielder and put Musa on the attack instead. of the team’s top scorer. In defence, Gilberto turned back to the right in Bah’s turn.
On the side of Famalicão, and regarding the last game, the coach Rui Pedro Silva made two changes to the eleven, strengthening the midfield with the arrival of Pelé, to the detriment of Pedro Brazão, and for the left side of the attack Francisco Moura, to try to stop Benfica’s right wing formed by Gilberto and David Neres.
Benfica came into the game as usual and put pressure on the opponent, dominated from the start and created danger in the opening minutes.
Goalkeeper Luiz Junior played a leading role throughout the match and denied Roger Schmidt’s team a goal several times. After four minutes, David Neres appeared in the face of the Famalicense goalkeeper, but it was worth the Brazilian’s attention and agility.
The dangerous shots at Famalicão’s goal continued and at 19″ it was Musa’s turn who, trying to correct a pass from Enzo Fernandéz, shot at goal, but the ball went straight into the hands of Luiz Junior.
Benfica increased the pressure and at 36″ he was very close to scoring, but again the Famalicão goalkeeper was impeccable. Draxler, on the left, left the ball to Enzo, who already fired into the area for a great defense of the Guardian.
The eagles’ dominance clashed with Famalicão’s defending organization, who scared Vlachodimos just before half-time, with a shot from Zaydou, to defend the Greek goalkeeper.
Benfica’s coach released Diogo Gonçalves at the restart to replace Draxler, bringing a new dynamic to the Benfica team.
Luiz Junior was still worthy of the Famalicão side, but in the 63rd minute, after so many attempts and shots on target, Benfica scored. After a cross from Grimaldo, Rafa swerved with class. A curiosity: the Benfica winger scored for the third consecutive season at home against the Famalicenses and scored the fifth goal of the season in his personal record.
Until the end, Benfica managed the advantage and effort in the best way, as they visit Juventus on Wednesday in a match in the group stage of the Champions League.
Source: DN
