Yesterday at home, Benfica beat Est Amadoro, a fair victory, but far from the “supreme” one, as Roger Schmidt likes to describe it.
For the third game in a row, Benfica once again took to the pitch without any clear forwards and played too narrow a football. Only full-backs Carreras and Bach gave the Reds’ attack depth, while Kokciu and Prestianni constantly changed positions.
The dominance was almost exclusive, but there were few or no opportunities to score. Kokchu tried three times, but was only satisfied with the last one, and goalkeeper Bruno Brigiddo was almost absent. The goal eventually materialized the home team’s advantage over the Tricolor team, which only once scared Trubin.
After the break, nothing changed, Benfica’s dominance continued. Roger Schmidt’s always lacklustre team eventually created some good chances. Bruno Brigiddo managed to prevent Thiago Gouveia (twice) and Pavlidis from calming Luz.
On the other hand, Est Amadora took the game into his own hands at times, but was unable to create a threat to Trubin’s goal. The long-awaited appearance of Renato Sanchez eventually calmed the Eagles, who could and should have decided the outcome of the match earlier.
Benfica achieved their main goal, but the game again left much to be desired, while their direct rivals are winning, scoring a lot of goals and putting on a show.
POSITIVE
The long awaited return
João Neves is gone, but Luz has seen the return of another fine youngster: Renato Sanches. Barring injury, the midfielder promises to be a very important boost for Roger Schmidt.
NEGATIVE
Two more injuries
A week after German Jan-Niklas Beste suffered a new muscle injury at Benfica, Aursnes lasted about 30 minutes. Towards the end, Thiago Gouveia left with severe complaints in his right hand.
ARBITRATION
Exaggerated maps
In a game without serious problems, Helder Maleiro exaggerated some fouls and a few yellow cards that could have remained in his pocket. It is good that Pavlidis’ goal was cancelled due to the Greek’s foul on Brigid.
AND ALSO
“We could have scored more”
“We had a few moments where we could have decided the game earlier,” Schmidt said of the injuries: “We didn’t want to take any risks with Orsnes. I don’t know anything about Thiago yet. I hope it’s not that serious.”
New injury in the 1st half
After Beste with Casa Pia (20 minutes), yesterday in the 32nd minute it was Orsnes’ turn to leave the Benfica team injured just before the break.