Legue Cup Recap

Benfica hosted, and beat Olhanense this past Wednesday in the second round of the League Cup. 4-1 was the score, in a game that matched up the leaders of Portugal's first and second flights. I didn't get the opportunity to watch the game, but from what i have read, the scoreline is somewhat misleading regardless of Benfica's complete domination.

As it is customary in games for the League Cup, Quique rotated in some of the less used players. Moretto got his second consecutive start. The defense was composed of Miguel Vito, Luisao, Sidnei and Ribeiro from right to left. In the midfield, it was Katsouranis and Martins in the middle, Fellipe Bastos and Reyes in the flanks. Up front, Cardozo and Nuno Gomes.

Olhanense got on the scoreboard first after an incomplete save by Moretto. Benfica was able to tie the game 12 minutes later by Nuno Gomes, and turn the scoreline around 4 minutes later by Ribeiro 30 minutes into the game. 2-1 at the half, and a lot was written about Olhanense's first half performance, a team that came to Estadio da Luz with clear intentions to play ball, and not defend with 11 men.

In the second half, the Liga Vitalis leader lost some of its steam and Benfica kept on, getting their 3rd goal in the 62nd minute by Sidnei. Following Benfica's third goal Quique started his substitutions, DiMaria for Reyes(64m), Amorim for Bastos(68m). DiMaria, who had Maradona in the stands watching him, came out with a full head of steam determined to impress his national team coach, which he did.
With his last substitution, Quique put in Maxi for Martins(80m). Benfica would close out the game in style, with DiMaria authoring a masterpiece that got a standing ovation from Maradona.
4-1 the final score, as Benfica is through to the semis, but can come out group leader with at least a tie this coming Saturday against Belenenses.
A fairly easy game for Benfica, that encountered and adversary that came to play and deserves a lot of credit for their attitude. The scoreline is perhaps harsh on what Olhanense did throughout the game, but that nonetheless, shows the seriousness in which Benfica is approaching this competition.