Benfica shot stopper http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jorge-c19120 Jesus’ side came into the nail biting League Cup semi-final after suffering a heart churning defeat at the hands of the Portistas in the Primeira Liga before.
Porto’s last win at Estadio da Luz guaranteed them top spot in the rankings and pushed Benfica down to 2nd place, which was only weeks after they had assembled a five point lead at the summit.
The hosts kicked-off things in spectacular fashion at home yesterday as they took the lead through http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vitor-c36281 Pereira and his men rallied and were level moments later through the inspired Lucho Gonzalez.
Eliaquim Mangala’s 17th minute header allowed the visitors to take the lead and it was preserved until the stroke of half-time, when Nolito’s diving effort restored parity on the night.
The stage was set and it was Paraguayan star http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Oscar-c28720 Cardozo who took the plaudits after coming off the bench to score the winner on 78 minutes.
Benfica not only gathered bragging rights for the Classico but also savoured the prospect of lifting the Taca da Liga in the final.
However goalkeeper Eduardo, although quite ecstatic with the win, reiterated that the team could have grabbed a couple of more goals given how they had played.
Speaking to reporters, the glove man said that he and his teammates were far superior to the Dragons during the ninety minutes and had many chances to inflate the score-line but unfortunately were not able to take them.
"We were stronger, higher and we could have won by a more expressive scoreline, which would have been a better result. We had many opportunities, such as the three chances that hit the woodwork. I therefore believe that we are just winners.”
He also added that the referee’s decision making did not determine the outcome of the much-awaited clash and it was something that was done and now had to be given the appropriate respect.
"The arbitration did not influence the result. But it is the analysis, so we must respect it,” Eduardo was quoted as saying.
Benfica now turn their attention to Liga Sagres as well as UEFA Champions League, where they face an in-form http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 side.
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