Justice was done, but they deserved more goals

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

A goal from Arthur Cabral, at 74', allowed Benfica to win (0-1) against Casa Pia, this Sunday, March 17, on matchday 26.ª of the Liga Betclic held at Estádio Municipal de Rio Maior.

The swap of Neres for João Mário was the only change to Benfica's line-up from the 0-1 win in Glasgow in the second leg of the Europa League last 16. 

António Silva's 44th-minute header from Di María's free-kick on the right forced Ricardo Batista to apply himself, and the score remained level at half-time (0-0).

More aggressive and intense on the ball, and more objective in their pursuit of the opposing goal, the Benfica players gave the home side no chance in the second half. If possession at half-time stood at 59% - with eight shots from the Eagles against four from Casa Pia - the same figures at the end of the match reflect what was seen in the second half.

Benfica finished the match with 66% possession, 19 shots against six, and 13 corner kicks against four for Casa Pia.

Arthur Cabral's eye-catching attacking play in the 74th minute brought some justice to the scoreline. The play was of great quality and began with Di María recovering the ball near the corner flag in his defensive zone. The number 11 played the ball to João Mário, who, as a central midfielder, took off towards the opposite half, where Neres received the ball and returned it. João Mário, with his wide vision and precise passing, opened up on the right. Arthur Cabral, as if he were a winger, ran up the pitch in possession and at speed, penetrated the opposing penalty area, got Tchamba out of the way and hit the ball hard, left-footed, to the far side of Ricardo Batista's goal, who felt the violence of the blow (0-1). An excellent goal! 

Five minutes later, in the 79th minute, Rafa opened up for Arthur Cabral and the latter, on the right, shot wide of the near post. It paid off for Casa Pia with Ricardo Batista's save at the near post.

In the next round of the Liga Betclic, MD 27, the eagles host Chaves, who are bottom of the table after the international break.