Benfica were crowned Portuguese football champions for the 38th time this Saturday, securing the title with an easy 3-0 win against relegated Santa Clara, in the 34th and final round of the I Liga.
After leading almost the entire championship and with a good lead, the ‘incarnates’ lost a few points and took the decision to the final round, but all was decided in the opening minutes, with Gonçalo Ramos opening the scoring after seven, which was extended by Rafa, on 28, and by Grimaldo, on 60, from a penalty.
The ‘incarnates’ take the field of the crowded Estádio da Luz, with more than 64 thousand people, with two points ahead and knowing that a victory over the Azores, who are already ‘condemned’ to relegation, would allow them to win a title win that escaped in the previous three seasons and that even a draw could be enough, thanks to the great advantage in the difference between goals scored and conceded against FC Porto.
Roger Schmidt’s team entered the field with three changes in the draw against Sporting, with fullback Alexander Bah replacing Chiquinho, Florentino replacing Neres and Morato replacing suspended António Silva in the defensive axis, while Santa Clara made only one change, while Ricardinho replaced him . the suspended Gabriel Silva.
The ‘incarnates’ went in search of the goal from the opening whistle and Santa Clara’s resistance lasted just seven minutes, with Gonçalo Ramos, in first danger, responding with a header to Bah’s cross from the right, before the first ‘explosion’ ‘. of joy in the Light.
Benfica dominated Santa Clara a bit clearly, but created no danger, and after frightening a header from central Ítalo in the 28th minute, the ‘incarnates’ took advantage of a poorly executed free-kick by the Azores and mounted a swift counter-attack led by Rafa , sharing with João Mário, and looking loose in the area to score the second goal of the afternoon, in a shot still deflected by a defender.
After the effectiveness shown in the first half, the second half began with Benfica regaining control of operations, but at a more leisurely pace and after a dangerous move from Rafa, the ‘incarnates’ reached third on 60, in a penalty kick. signaled by Rui Costa after intervention by the video referee.
Spaniard Grimaldo, who will be leaving the club to play for Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen, was called up to score and didn’t hesitate, getting emotional as he celebrated with the fans.
With the party in the stands getting louder, Santa Clara had the best chances of the game, first with Ricardinho anticipating Bah but heading wide, and then Odysseas first blocking Ricardinho’s shot and then Andrezinho’s attack.
When everything was decided, the game ‘dragged’ to the end, with time for Schmidt to launch young goalkeeper Samuel Soares onto the field in the closing minutes, who also became champion.
Shortly after, the final whistle was blown by referee Rui Costa and the celebration already taking place in the stands was understood on the pitch, after securing Benfica’s 38th title of league champions, which will be celebrated across the country and in various world locations.
Source: DN
