Poltava 2 - Benfica 1 - A Waste

In a game where Benfica had little at stake, fruit of the 4-0 lead from the first leg, Benfica limited themselves to show up for this game. I write "show up", because playing, there was very little of it.
In a game that brought us Benfica's first official loss of the new season, and equally the worst performance of the season, Benfica failed to uphold any type of global reputation they had in the Ukraine. Regardless of the 7 changes from the team that lined up against Guimaraes, the team had the responsibility to do a lot better in this game.

JJ had announced that he would give some players a rest, here's the starting 11 he fielded:
Moreira in goal, Luis Felipe, Luisao, Sidnei and David Luiz. Javi Garcia, Coentrao, Ramires and Cesar Peixoto in the midfield. Nuno Gomes and Keirrison up front.

7 changes in all, 7 players who have seen limited action this season, some of them making their official season debuts. With 7 changes, it was only natural that the team would show themselves at a lower level, that is understandable. What is not understandable is the lack of attitude by the team as a whole.
I will not bore you with a recap of the game, part because i have very little desire to replay it back in my head, but also because i'd like to forget it as soon as possible.

I'm surprised that even the players who had an opportunity to show themselves to JJ, did very little to make a case for a starting spot. There were a couple of bright spots, but generally speaking, the performance was poor and lackadaisical.
Certainly the lack of desire and fighting spirit wasn't what JJ asked of the team, and I'm sure he didn't ask for the team to only go through the motions either, but I'm sure that regardless of the team getting a free pass by many fans, JJ took notes.

Benfica's lone goal was scored by Saviola who cam in for Nuno Gomes at the half. Also getting minutes were Amorim and DiMaria who came in for Ramires and Coentrao respectively.

In closing this ugly game, it's a shame Miguel Vitor couldn't have gotten an opportunity. It's also a shame that a team like Benfica presents themselves in such a poor light.
Quoting another blog i read:

"Fans forgive players for everything, from bad luck to bad playing, all is forgiven, as long as the fans see that the players have the will, and honor to wear Benfica's jersey, which personafies the example of giving it all, willingness, altruism and sacrifice"

I think that says it all... Let's just leave it at that....
Horrible performance, poor showing, and wasted chances from some of the players who got a unique chance to make an impression.

With this playoff behind us, it is now time to start thinking about the group stages, which paired us in one of the most difficult in the Europa League, with Everton, AEK and Bate.


#Photo Credit - Getty Images