Benfica 3 - D. Aves 0 - Normalcy and Tranquility

After experiencing some difficulties against Penafiel in the last round of the Portuguese Cup, Quique made it very clear to the squad that the Portuguese Cup is a competition to be taken seriously and one of the team's objectives for the 08/09 season. With the message being heard loud and clear, Benfica easily defeated Desportivo das Aves by the score of 3-0 and will now await Thursday's drawing to find out who their next adversary will be.


Not wanting a repeat from the last round, Quique fielded an 11 that could very well be the starting team for Benfica in any given game.

Moreira in goal. Maxi, Luisao, Sidnei and Leo in the back. Binya, Yebda, Martins and Aimar were in the middle, while up front it was Suazo along side Cardozo. A different look in the midfield, with Binya clearly playing in front of the defense while Yebda, Martins and Aimar formed a triangle in front of him.
Benfica put the game away early with goals by Yebda(2'), Luisao(19') and Maxi(28'), which gave the team tranquility and allowed them to cruise the rest of the way, with a noticeable slower pace, while still creating opportunities throughout the game. The biggest story of the game was the return of David Luiz, who came into the game at the 67th minute. A long awaited return both by the player and fans alike who saluted the player as he came on the field. Urreta and Balboa also got playing time in the second half as they came in at the 59th and 71st minute respectively.

Not much to say about the game, as that should always be the case when Benfica faces a team from a lower division at their stadium. There should be no "close calls", "squeeze bys" or even close games in these circumstances.
A true Benfiquista always goes into a game thinking that Benfica will win, regardless of who the opponent is. In tonight's case, and against a traditionally weaker opponent, a win should be a given and not even something in question.
There's no need to go any further talking about tonight's game, as a win has to be as normal as it comes. Think about something you do through out your day, that you consider it so normal, that's not even worth mentioning it to someone as something you did. It's with that same type of normalcy that wins like tonight's should be regarded.

The return of David Luiz, the change in midfield configuration, and the more serious approach by the team and technical staff to the game, are some of the few things that are worth mentioning about this game, other than that, not much more.

Benfica will now enter another crucial stage of their season, with battles against middle of the table teams and two crucial matches for their UEFA Cup future, it's important to finish out the year strong as making it to the winter break at the top is usually a good indicator for the rest of the season.

Photos - www.slbenfica.pt