Benfica were in a rush to start preparations for the derby against Sporting on Sunday and only needed four minutes to kick off a 2-0 victory over Ligue 3 Varzim to guarantee qualification to the quarter-finals of the Portuguese Cup. Varzinists, despite the fact that they played two levels lower, had Sporting’s elimination (1:0) from the tournament as their hallmark. Roger Schmidt didn’t have it easy, but even so, he made several changes to the team, namely in centre-backs (played by Morato and Lucas Verissimo) and in midfield with the addition of Enzo Fernandez. Rafa did not participate due to a sprain and Gilberto and Musa due to the flu. And it didn’t even take a lot of speed to reach the goal. Gonzalo Ramos was fouled in front of the penalty area and Grimaldo scored 1-0. The hosts were still throwing out reactions, but Odysseus was far from spooked. The second half turned out to be more intense, danger surrounded both goals. Tito even asked for a penalty for Grimaldo’s foul, but the referee ordered that the game be played out. Then it was Rubén Gonçalves with a cross/punch to test Odysseas’ attention. On the Benfica side, Goncalo Ramos missed a couple of good chances, but it was Enzo who made it 2-0 after Chiquinho’s pass. He tapped the symbol and made a gesture that he wanted to stay. The Eagles will face the winner of Sp. Braga-V. Guimarães.
Rafa with sprain causes alarm
Rafa was absent from Benfica’s game on Tuesday with a sprained foot. A situation that just days before the Luz derby is already raising some doubts about the use of the player against Sporting. Musa and Gilberto missed the game with Varzim because they both had the flu.