Lisboa derby
Monday saw the always explosive derby between Benfica and cross-town rivals, Sporting. Sporting started off the better team, taking charge and making it hard on Benfica to really get something going in the first half. What seemed like a game that was going in Sporting’s direction would eventually crumble apart. The game itself was filled with a lot of petty tackles and far too many challenges. The majority of the game was spent stopping to take freekicks and while I would have liked to see another Carlos Martins screamer, it was becoming a bit annoying to hear the whistle for every little thing.
The second half started in the way the first half had ended, with Sporting taking charge. That would all change in the 62nd minute, a shot by Fabio Coentrao would be sent in by Cardozo for the first goal. Not long after that Cardozo would be subbed, having injured his ankle just prior to his goal. Alan Kardec would come on to replace him. The second goal would come during the 77th minute from Pablo Aimar. Ramires would back heel it to Aimar, who would be on a breakaway from the Sporting defense. Aimar managed to avoid Sporting keeper Rui Patricio and score the final goal of the game. In the space of 15 minutes Benfica would manage to tear Sporting apart, even after what seemed like a promising game for Sporting.
The win ensured that Benfica are still in first, still 3 points off of Braga. Sunday (tomorrow) will see Benfica take on Academica. There are only 3 games left after that (Olhanense, Porto, and Rio Ave), Benfica possibly able to secure the tile at the Dragao. The boys just have to stay focused and keep their minds on the last few games but I cannot see them messing up at this point in the season.
However there are injuries. Cardozo was back in training, though there is a chance that Jorge Jesus may rest him just in case. Saviola is still out as is Cesar Peixoto. Luisao is also still out and if Nuno Gomes does not get the nod to play then David Luiz will take the captain’s armband. Academica are not to be underestimated, Andre Vilas Boas having done a very good job with the team and I’m sure Jorge Jesus knows this. He also knows his own team and knows the strengths that Benfica possess and even under injuries, there is still depth there that can not be taken for granted.
3 weeks left in the season and Sunday could see Benfica take one step closer to the title.
