Benfica-Portimonense

With the Eagle more or less out of the running for the league after the loss in Braga last week, Jorge Jesus had opted to rest some players for the upcoming second leg match against PSG.



A line up not including the likes of Fabio Coentrao and Roberto, Moreira took over goal guarding duties. Jesus gave January signing Carole his first start at left back with Luis Felipe at right back.

With Luisao, Javi Garcia and Maxi Pereira suspended, it was to be a different back four. The partnership of Jardel with Roderick at the back was to be tested.

Airton held the centre with Aimar just in-front, with Menezes and Peixoto at either side, Jara and Kardec upfront.

With the opposing team being rooted to the bottom of the league, it was as good time as any to try out some players, to observe strengths and weaknesses.

But the team from Portimao were in no mood to lay back and let their host mess about with the subs.

Portimao went ahead on the 29th minute when Ricardo Pessoa converted a penalty when Roderick handled just inside the area.

The game was only to be equalized on the 78th Minute, Nuno Gomes came off the bench to head the ball into the back of the net.

On a night where many questioned the decision to used that many players not often used.

But I liked a few things that I saw, I liked the Young full back Carole, although he will take some hard work to replace Fabio Coentrao, his style was different, he preferred the much direct passing forward, he pushed and was able to get in space, but clearly he needs more games.

The partnership of Roderick and Jardel, at times resembled the Luisao Sidnei, ‘oh the one where they don’t understand each other that is’, Roderick attempt to clear with his hand instead of his head resulted in a penalty. To say the back four could have had a rest on this night too.

The style of play from the team was somewhat usual, kept majority of possession, had more shots at goal etc etc...

But this was a game to try and rest the players for the match where the club is looking to concentrate on, the Europa League, going into the game against PSG 2-1 up, it will be important to score early or not concede a goal at least. So Benfica will need to have rested their more senior and established players to focus on such task ahead.

Even if those who attended the game or Watched it on TV and Stream were there hoping to see the likes of Coentrao and Saviola only but only saw Carole and Jara, it is important to know that when you support Benfica you support the players wearing the shirt, after all the saying ‘Benfica ate de baixo de agua’ (Benfica even under water) should come into effect regardless of the players on show.

But what would I like to see more from Benfica in the next couple of seasons is the acquisition or development of more Portuguese players.