Penalty only Sp. Braga managed to fight off Benfica in the quarter-finals of the Portuguese Cup. Orsnes let Matheus escape and Al-Musrati emphasized Minho’s presence in the semi-finals, in which he will face Nacional (II League).
The game started with Sp. Braga with a reinforced midfield with the addition of Pizzi, leaving the attack to Yuri and Abel Ruiz. On the other hand, in relation to the latest games, everything is the same.
The first sign of danger was a shot at Orsna. Minho’s team then reacted and Otamendi headbutted Niakata, who was heading towards the Odysseas goal.
Since then it has only been Benfica. More possession of the ball, sending the opponent to his defense. The Eagles’ goal was scored from a set piece, completed by a beautiful header from Guedes. The same soon after that complained about the penalty.
Bach’s sending off was Benfica’s first blow, followed by the equalizer. Al-Musrati scored after a corner and despite the Eagles’ apathy in defense.
Despite setbacks and before the break, Benfica recovered and even with less guarded the ball and tried to hit Matheus’ goal. In stoppage time, the home team’s Brazilian goalkeeper was called in to intervene in António Silva’s splendid shot.
Schmidt changed tactics after the break and started playing with three central defenders. He almost always withstood the onslaught of Sp. Braga, and when it was not the defenders who stopped Minho’s movements, it was Odysseas and the post to stop the shots of Andre Horta and Banza. Only through Orsnes did Benfica approach the goal with a long-range shot. Despite heavy physical exertion, Benfica managed to bring the game to a penalty shootout. There, the Benfica player Orsnes failed, and Sp. Braga goes further.
Positive
embodied resistance
Playing ninety minutes (plus discounts) for one less is hats off. Benfica has always been very supportive and has been running miles. Orsnes, Chiquinho and João Mario were giants.
Negative
Red that unbalanced
Ba is not a bad player, but Pizzi’s capture is furious and reckless. The spiked ankle tackle could have had more serious consequences for the Arsenal midfielder.
Var helped one, but not the other
VAR Fabio Melo did the right thing by changing the color of the Bach card, he didn’t do well without seeing Tormena touch Guedes in the Minho zone. Penalty for a signal in favor of Benfica. Right in Morato’s exile.
Reunion with Benfica
After two games as a substitute, this Thursday Pizzi made his Sp. Braga. The midfielder was replaced at half-time by Bruma, another January reinforcement. Pizzi returned to Benfica almost 12 years later. The last time, on April 23, 2011, he was defeated (1-2) by P. Ferreira in the League Cup final.
best lawns
The fields at the Luz and Benfica campus in Seixal top the list of the best in the I and II leagues with averages of 4.73 and 4.33 (score from 0 to 5).