Light and color asked for more goals

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

A renewed Cathedral with a new light and aura, saw Benfica win three more points in the Liga Bwin,  by beating (1-0) Portimonense, this Friday, January 6, on matchday 15. A goal by João Mário from a penalty kick decided a match in which the eagles should have scored more goals, given the number of opportunities they had.

Chiquinho and Draxler were the new additions to Benfica's starting eleven compared to the last game of the League, in Braga, replacing Enzo and Rafa (suspended for yellow card).

At 7', Draxler, with an acrobatic shot, gave the first sign of danger, but his effort was off target. Florentino won a duel in the midfield, the ball went to Gonçalo Ramos, who, entered the penalty box and deflected it from the Japanese keeper when he came out of his line, stopping the Portuguese international. Vítor Ferreira awarded a penalty.

João Mário opened the scoring at 9', from the penalty spot, with a low shot, in which Nakamura still touched the ball (1-0).

Playing lively football, the Reds had another excellent opportunity to score in the 17th minute. Bah, in the area, anticipated Klismahn, being stopped by the Brazilian midfielder, resulting in another penalty. Aursnes, at 19', was denied by Nakamura.

All in all, Benfica returned to its renovated home (after the improvement of the lighting, new sound system, new screens and LED's in the rings), earned three points, reaching 40 points in the competition.

Next up is Varzim, on Tuesday, January 10, in Póvoa de Varzim, in a match in the round of 16 of the Portuguese Cup. In the next round of the Liga Bwin, MD 16, Benfica will host Sporting, on Sunday, January 15, at 6 pm, at Estádio da Luz.