“our goal is to become champions”
Sorry for the lack of updates, my real life has taken control and I haven’t had much time to devote to the boys. So here is a quick recap of where we’ve been and what we’ve done and what to expect in the next few days. Two weeks ago this Sunday saw the boys play Sporting Braga, current holders of second place. Everyone played down the game, saying it was not the deciding factor. While that is true, it was an important game to win to ensure we mantained a good record and to see us keep first place. The only goal came just moments before halftime with a freekick headed in by captain Luisao. That would be all it took to see that Benfica are now six points ahead of Braga. There are still a handful of games to play and it could easily be neck and neck again soon enough. The following weekend saw Benfica take on Naval. Naval got off to a quick start, scoring in the 2nd and 11th minute, thus providing pressure on Benfica and to keep them on their toes. They of course responded, starting in the 15th minute with a goal from Weldon. Just 3 minutes later saw the next goal, again from Weldon. All was level and Benfica were getting the boost they needed. They would continue to push and to dig, Di Maria providin the 3rd goal in the 38th minute leading the team into halftime winning. It wouldn’t mean they were done, the final goal being scored by none other then Oscar Cardozo in the 55th minute. Cardozo is now tied for top scorer in the league wtih Falcao, for 20. This Monday Benfica play Sporting and while Sporting are not a threat, it is still the Lisbon derby meaning it will most likely be heated. One can almost feel bad for Sporting after the season they’ve had, however that doesn’t mean I hope for a close game, not by any means. I’m sure despite Saviola and Peixoto’s injuries we will be okay. The only other noticeable injury is Julio Cesar who suffered a head injury in the defeat to Liverpool. A rest is needed for him and will see starter Quim back in the line up.
The brilliant Europa League run has come to an end. I for one couldn’t be prouder of them. The first league at the Estadio Da Luz. Both teams started off with quick attacks but nothing came until the 6th minute when a low cross was backheeled in by Daniel Agger for Liverpool. However Benfica kept responding, creating attacks that were just wide or not on target. In the 30th minute Ryan Babel was sent off for putting his hands in Luisao’s face. It was a break for Benfica, or so it seemed, but he extra man didn’t prove much different in terms of the strength from Liverpoo. It wasn’t until the second half did Benfica get their break with two penalties. The first came in the 59th minute when Pablo Aimar was brought down in the box by Jamie Carragher. Oscar Cardozo stepped up and took it, sending goalkeeper Pepe Reina the right way but the wall just edging under him and into the back of the net. There was a succession of quick attacks after that but no goals until again another penalty was given. This time for a handball from Emiliano Insua. Cardozo stepped up, faking Pepe Reina a bit before taking the shot and giving Benfica the lead. That would be the last of the goals but it would seem that it was still a narrow margain going into Anfield.
At Anfield Benfica started off as the quick team, taking control and taking shots. The first goal would come from not them but Liverpool in the 27th minute. At first the second official ruled the goal offside but ref Bjorn Kupiers gave it, leading to the first goal scored by Dirk Kuyt. The second goal would come in the 34th minute from a long range shot by Lucas. Julio Cesar came out to save it but the Brazilian skipped past him and the defenders, slotting it into the back of the net. Things were now looking like an advantage for Liverpool but dangling on a narrow thread. The second half saw more goals, the first one nailing home Liverpool’s win and entry into the semi-finals. Just moments after nearly scoring from a freekick, a quick counter attack would see Fernando Torres score and make it 3-0 to the home team. They weren’t done scoring, the final goal being scored the 89th minute, by again Fernando Torres. Benfica did manage to get a goal in the 79th minute from a freekick by Oscar Cardozo. It might have been a glimmer of hope but Benfica would not see any more goals and their Europa league run come to an end.
They have to be proud of themsevles. They had the highest goal ratio and a run of wonderful games. They now have the Champions League to look forward to next year and I hope that they will now focus on the league, bringing home number 32. Thank you boys and lets thrash Sporting.
