Benfica returned to internal competition with a marvellous result, two null over the Lisbon rival Sporting CP. Previously to this game the disappointment of Liverpool.
Last Thursday Benfica went to Liverpool to face the local team of Liverpool FC and came with a 4-1 defeat. Rafael Benitez was intelligent and contained his players strengths. The first twenty minutes everyone expected a tuff Liverpool but it didn't appear. Benfica was well during that period but the fatigued started growing after the first half.
Jorge Jesus made some changes on the principal team and Sidney surged as backcenter. The team may have gain on having players taller, but in fact lost velocity and this factor may have been determinant on the defeat. The rapid counterattacks of the UK team and some mistakes of our goalkeeper Julio Cesar were also important. The Liverpool players like, Lucas (34'), Kuyt (28'), Gerrard and especially Fernando Torres (59' and 82') made a great exhibition and took all the hope to Jorge Jesus team. Players like David Luiz, Luisão and Cardozo (70') tried to reach the goals needed to go into the next Europa League round, but their work was not enough. Although the numbers may represent a big difference, in fact, the eliminatory was not so unequal and Benfica could also have passed. The truth is that Liverpool FC has a great team and in fact deserved the victory.
Yesterday, Benfica received the Sporting CP team for the Portuguese League Sagres and won the game. The victory was obtained on the second half, after a first part where Sporting CP played better. Pedro Mendes, Miguel Veloso and Moutinho were some of the better "lion" players on Luz. On a game with few opportunities of goal for both sides, Cardozo, on the 68th minute, had the fortune to score just before his substitution. Few minutes earlier on a ball disputed with the Sporting defenders he became injured and asked to go out. Jorge Jesus left Aimar on the bench and when he entered Benfica gained the midfield. Aimar (78') attitude was determinant for the team achieve the final result of 2-0, after a brilliant pass of the Brazilian Ramires. Also players like Rúben Amorim, Fábio Coentrão, Carlos Martins and Luisão played very well, specially David Luiz who once again demonstrated the mentality of a winner.
The Europa League dream vanished but the conscience of a work well done is present and that's what really counts. When the work is done on a proper way the victories and the titles will appear sooner or later.
Last Thursday Benfica went to Liverpool to face the local team of Liverpool FC and came with a 4-1 defeat. Rafael Benitez was intelligent and contained his players strengths. The first twenty minutes everyone expected a tuff Liverpool but it didn't appear. Benfica was well during that period but the fatigued started growing after the first half.
Jorge Jesus made some changes on the principal team and Sidney surged as backcenter. The team may have gain on having players taller, but in fact lost velocity and this factor may have been determinant on the defeat. The rapid counterattacks of the UK team and some mistakes of our goalkeeper Julio Cesar were also important. The Liverpool players like, Lucas (34'), Kuyt (28'), Gerrard and especially Fernando Torres (59' and 82') made a great exhibition and took all the hope to Jorge Jesus team. Players like David Luiz, Luisão and Cardozo (70') tried to reach the goals needed to go into the next Europa League round, but their work was not enough. Although the numbers may represent a big difference, in fact, the eliminatory was not so unequal and Benfica could also have passed. The truth is that Liverpool FC has a great team and in fact deserved the victory.
Yesterday, Benfica received the Sporting CP team for the Portuguese League Sagres and won the game. The victory was obtained on the second half, after a first part where Sporting CP played better. Pedro Mendes, Miguel Veloso and Moutinho were some of the better "lion" players on Luz. On a game with few opportunities of goal for both sides, Cardozo, on the 68th minute, had the fortune to score just before his substitution. Few minutes earlier on a ball disputed with the Sporting defenders he became injured and asked to go out. Jorge Jesus left Aimar on the bench and when he entered Benfica gained the midfield. Aimar (78') attitude was determinant for the team achieve the final result of 2-0, after a brilliant pass of the Brazilian Ramires. Also players like Rúben Amorim, Fábio Coentrão, Carlos Martins and Luisão played very well, specially David Luiz who once again demonstrated the mentality of a winner.
The Europa League dream vanished but the conscience of a work well done is present and that's what really counts. When the work is done on a proper way the victories and the titles will appear sooner or later.
