THE Benfica’s curse in Rio Maior ended on Monday night and then with a gala display from Marco Silva’s men. After two years of stumbling at Casa Pia’s borrowed home, a ground that has given the Eagles many nightmares in recent seasons, the red team responded assertively.
Following draws against Académico de Viseu, in the first round of the I League, and against the Scottish Hearts, at the end of the European round, the red team went to Rio Maior to achieve their first victory in this year’s edition of the championship and with seven unanswered goals.
Pavlidis (47′, 49′ and 54′), with a supersonic and at the same time historic hattrick, was the great figure of the game which also featured goals from Prestianni (3′), Rafa Silva (14′) and Jhon Durán (61′), who made his debut in the Portuguese championship. An own goal by Ofori (58′) completed what was a horrible night for the geese, who continue without winning in the I League this season.
Despite total dominance, Marco Silva’s team reached half-time leading by just two goals. However, Pavlidis’ performance in the space of seven minutes confirmed the complete confusion on the part of the home team, who were never able to question the Reds’ triumph.
This old-fashioned rout leaves Benfica in fourth place in the championship and with four points, two behind the trio of leaders formed by FC Porto, Arouca and Marítimo. Casa Pia, on the other hand, recorded their second consecutive defeat and ends the day in last place, still at ‘zero’.
But let’s look at the notes for this match:
Figure
The prize could not go to any player other than Vangelis Pavlidis. What a night of luxury from Benfica’s Greek forward. There is not much to say about the Hellenic’s display. He scored three goals in seven minutes and even scored against Rafa Silva in the first half. A poker-level performance against Swiss St. Gallen at the Estádio da Luz for the Europa League.
Surprise
Gianluca Prestianni He is increasingly assuming himself as a protagonist in this Benfica team. He was a real success in the first half and opened the scoring for the Eagles after just three minutes of play.
Disillusionment
Two Casa Pia players fit into this category, but the choice ends up falling on the central defender David Sousa. A very unhappy night for the Portuguese, who started the match by deceiving goalkeeper André Gomes and deflecting Prestianni’s shot into the back of the net. The terrible performance continued with a poor approach to Rafa Silva’s goal (14′) and Pavlidis’ first goal (47′). The Benfica winger discovered a clearing in the middle of the geese’s defensive axis that the Greek did not waste.
Coaches
Filipe Coelho
It is true that Casa Pia is changing its cycle with the arrival of the new coach, but two defeats in two games in the I League, combined with eight goals conceded and none scored, should give the Geese’s technical team pause. A total of zero shots on goal in this duel and one chance to hit the post was the balance for Pina Manique’s team.
Marco Silva
The false entry into the I League required an immediate response and Benfica left no room for doubt in Rio Maior. Seven goals were scored in Rio Maior, but many more could have occurred given the defensive fragility demonstrated by Casa Pia. Eagles showed that the draw in the first round was just an accident on the road.
Arbitration
Very safe and competent arbitration by João Pinheiro. He decided well in the areas and controlled the game at a disciplinary level.
