The Lisbon giants were able to secure a place in the Taca da Liga after securing a 3-2 victory over arch-rivals http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186 at Estadio da Luz yesterday.
Portugal’s version of the Classico was played out yesterday in an intense battle between the best in the country. Jorge Jesus’ Benfica, who were beaten by the Portistas in the League a few weeks ago, were able to show their comeback spirit after dropping
their hard fought lead.
Wing-back http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Maxi-Pereira-c25004 set the tempo of the ninety minutes with an early goal, but the visitors clawed back with Lucho Gonzalez restoring parity shortly after.
Things got worse for the hosts as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vitor-c36281 Pereira’s men a one goal advantage on the 17th minute. It stayed that way until just before the half, when a Benfica free-kick wreaked havoc in the box.
Aimar’s delivery was met by Javi Garcia and he had all the time in the world to pick out a pass to Nolito, who made no mistake in diverting the ball into the back of the net.
With the score tied at 2-2, the game was perfectly poised and it was Benfica who stooped to conquer.
Their inspirational marksman http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Oscar-c28720 Cardozo came off the bench and changed the tie on its head on the 78th minute. The Paraguayan played a neat one-two with Nicolas Gaitan and after receiving the ball back from the Argentine; he raced away from
Mangala and fired a low yet unstoppable shot to give his side the initiative.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jorge-c19120 Jesus’ team may be out of contention for the League but they showed their resilient character with a determined win.
There were joyous celebrations in the Capital and even http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ezequiel-Garay-c13071, who is currently out on the sidelines with injury joined in and congratulated his teammates.
"I congratulate the entire team for a very great game and above all the triumph,” the former Real Madrid was quoted as saying.
Benfica’s wayward season has seen them crash from title favourites to 2nd place chasers, but if they manage to win the Taca da Liga, the fans will at least have something to savour when the campaign concludes.
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