In a captivating Primeira Liga encounter at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, the home side emerged victorious with a 2-1 triumph over Alverca. Andreas Schjelderup opened the scoring for Benfica in the 16th minute, only for Figueiredo to equalize for Alverca in the 30th. The match hung in the balance until Anísio Cabral clinched the win for Benfica with a decisive strike in the 86th minute, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
Early Goals Set the Stage
The first half was marked by assertive plays from both teams. Schjelderup's early goal set the pace, but Alverca responded swiftly. Figueiredo's equalizer, assisted by Marezi, brought the match to an even keel, reflecting a balanced duel. The half-time whistle blew with both sides locked at 1-1, promising an engaging second half.
Cabral's Late Heroics
The second half saw a disallowed goal for Benfica due to a foul by Vangelis Pavlidis, adding to the tension. However, Cabral, introduced as a substitute, secured the win with a crucial finish in the 86th minute. This performance highlighted Benfica's strategic depth and persistence, as they managed to control 64% of the possession and fired 29 shots, compared to Alverca's 6.
Statistical Breakdown: Benfica's Dominance
Benfica's superior ball possession and relentless attacking approach were evident throughout the match. With 10 shots on target and a passing accuracy of 85%, they kept Alverca's defense under constant pressure. Nicolás Otamendi's defensive prowess, winning 11 duels, and Rafa Silva's attacking forays were crucial in maintaining the team's momentum.
Looking Ahead
As Benfica extends their unbeaten run, they solidify their position in the league, building on recent strong performances, including a notable win against Real Madrid. With key players like Schjelderup and Cabral making their mark, Benfica looks poised to challenge for top honors this season. Alverca, on the other hand, must regroup after another hard-fought match, focusing on capitalizing on their sporadic opportunities as they aim to improve their league standing.
