Robust, full-bodied, and categorical... How wonderful!

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

The numbers are undeniable! In front of 59,374 spectators at the Cathedral, a great collective exhibition, perfumed by individual talent, of a very strong Benfica, who beat Vitória SC, by 5-1, in a game from matchday 25 of the Liga Bwin.

The starting whistle of André Narciso and, on the Cathedral pitch, in the eagles' starting eleven there was one change from the last one used in the triumph in Madeira. Odysseas, Bah, António Silva, Otamendi, Grimaldo, Florentino, Chiquinho, Neres, João Mário, Rafa and Gonçalo Ramos were the chosen ones, with Aursnes out (serving a one-game ban).

In the first chance to score, the eagles checked the effectiveness! Minute 13, Grimaldo and Neres on the left, intentional cross from the Brazilian, Rafa, already in the area, headed the ball and Gonçalo Ramos, in flight, coming from behind, headed to the back of the net! 1-0 and was scored the 16th goal from the number 88 in Liga Bwin 2022/23.

A few minutes later, Odysseas started the play, Gonçalo Ramos, with his head, launched Rafa and, already in the penalty box, Amaro made a clear foul on the Benfica striker. Penalty kick. João Mário won the duel against Celton Biai and equaled Gonçalo Ramos on the top of the list of the top scorers of the competition, both with 16 goals.

Minute 36, and it was all well done and beautiful to watch. What a football moment... It all started at the other end of the pitch, with a ball recovery, the collective reacted and ran towards the opponent's net, everything at the first touch, fast and dynamic; Neres found Gonçalo Ramos, who assisted João Mário, who, already in the penalty box, with a beautiful technical gesture, shot the score to 3-0 and also to climb the throne of the top scorers of the Liga Bwin: 17 goals scored!

Minute 64, a good combination between Rafa and João Mário, and Dani Silva introduced the ball into his own goal. It was 4-0.

Vitória SC eventually managed to score their consolation goal (79'). Safira went to the line to cross, and André Silva scored the 4-1.

With Gilberto already on the pitch (after Bah left, at 83'), Benfica reached the 5-1. In the 89th minute, Neres crossed, and Musa, at the far post, assisted António Silva's header. 

All in all, Benfica added three more points, reinforcing their lead in the table, now with 68, in what was their 9th win in a row in this edition of the Liga Bwin.

This is followed by a halt in club competitions for national team commitments, with 12 SL Benfica players called up to represent their national teams.

On the return of the League, a trip to Vila do Conde to face Rio Ave, on matchday 26 of the Liga Bwin.