Goals in a flash sealed the last 16

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Portuguese Cup atmosphere at Estádio da Luz this Saturday, November 25, with the clash between Benfica and Famalicão, in the 4th round of the competition. After the wasted goals in the first half, the second half brought the celebrations of the two goals (2-0) that sealed the Reds' qualification for the round of 16 of the competition.

Compared to the starting eleven that faced Sporting on November 12, in the Eagles' last match before the international break, Roger Schmidt made one change to the starting line-up, bringing in Tengstedt - the scorer of the winning goal in that match - in place of Musa.

In a phase of Reds' ascendancy, Di María, from the half-circle, executed a great right-footed volley, and only failed to score because Luiz Júnior prevented the 1-0 with an impressive save.

Until half-time, the two sides ended up cancelling each other out. As a result, the game became tighter and there were no more dangerous approaches to goal.

The second half opened with a free kick for Benfica, which (taken by Di María) resulted in Otamendi's header going just wide of the post (46').

However, in the 72nd minute, Benfica took the lead. From the right, in an attempt to serve Rafa in the box, Tensgtedt crossed low. Riccieli tried to intercept the shot, but ended up putting the ball into his own net (1-0).

As far as the Famalicenses were concerned, the saying "a bad thing never comes alone" held true, as Otávio was then shown a red card for fouling Tengstedt, who was heading towards the penalty box.

The Eagles didn't take long to take advantage of their numerical advantage and, five minutes after the first goal, they had widened the gap. João Mário regained possession in midfield, made his way up the pitch and passed to Rafa on the left. The No. 27 cut inside and fired home from the edge of the box (2-0 after 77 minutes).

Until the final whistle, the Reds freshened up the team: Musa, Kökcü - returning from injury, the midfielder tried to score directly from a corner kick... -, Tiago Gouveia, Chiquinho and Tomás Araújo replaced Tengstedt, Florentino - who played his 100th official match with an eagle on his chest - João Mário, João Neves and Morato respectively.

With a fair place in the last 16 of the Portuguese Cup secured, Benfica will play again at the Estádio da Luz this Wednesday, November 29, at 8:00 pm, against Inter Milan, on matchday 5 of Group D in the Champions League.