Beira-Mar vs Benfica Match Preview
Benfica continue their Jekyll and Hyde behaviour in 2010/11. It’s all or nothing for Jorge Jesus’ side, who have yet to draw any of their 18 matches this season. However, eight of those games have ended in defeat, the latest of which dictated an early exit from the Champions League after losing against Hapoel Tel Aviv on Wednesday.
Beira-Mar have problems of their own, albeit off the pitch. The Aveiro club are in serious financial difficulty, so much so that this match was in doubt just a week ago.
Strangely enough, on the field of play the newly promoted side have acquitted themselves to life back in the top flight extremely well. Just two league defeats sees Beira-Mar safely ensconced in mid-table. A fascinating battle in prospect.
Beira-Mar vs Benfica Match Report
Beira-Mar went into the match defending an unbeaten home record, but from the off Benfica looked determined to bounce back from their surprise Champions League exit in midweek.
Saviola hit the crossbar and Luisao and Carlos Martins both went close before Paraguayan striker Oscar Cardozo earned and converted a penalty just before the half-time whistle.
It was more of the same in the second half as Cardozo added a spectacular second with a brilliant angled shot into the top corner, then set up the third Benfica goal for Saviola with some nifty footwork.
Rui Varela scored a consolation for the Aveiro team late on but Benfica were good value for their win.