Three more points to open an intense cycle!

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

A goal from João Neves, at 68', sealed SL Benfica's 1-0 win over Chaves, in a game from matchday 27 of the Liga Betclic held at Estádio da Luz, on Friday, March 29.

Kick-off for another intense and competitive cycle, with the eagles fighting on three different fronts: Liga Betclic, Portuguese Cup and Europa League!

The clash with Chaves, bottom of the league, was the first match after the international break and preceded a month of April in which the Eagles will play seven matches in three different competitions.

Trubin, Bah, Tomás Araújo, Otamendi, Aursnes, Florentino, João Neves, Di María, Neres, Rafa and Arthur Cabral were Roger Schmidt's chosen eleven in what was the 39th official match between the Reds and the "flavienses".

The match began with a great chance for Benfica. In the 4th minute, Rafa was brought down by Vasco Fernandes, and Di María, converting a free kick, forced Hugo to make the first great save of the afternoon/evening.

In the 21st minute, Júnior Pius hit Bah in the face with his left elbow in Chaves' penalty area, the game continued, but the VAR intervened and, after analysis, a penalty was awarded. Di María shot low and Hugo guessed the side, saved and kept it level.

Nil-nil at the break, in a first half marked by Benfica's many attacks (71% possession), wasted chances, a missed penalty and, as a result, the stubborn 0-0 persisting on the scoreboard.

In the 59th minute, Di María was tackled by Júnior Pius, and Hélder Malheiro awarded a free kick. The VAR intervened, and a penalty was awarded, as the foul was committed inside the area. Arthur Cabral took over on the 11-meter line, shot to the left... and Hugo saved!

The video referee intervened again, signaling the presence of a Chaves defender (Guima) inside the penalty area before the Brazilian striker took the penalty and Hugo saved, so the penalty had to be repeated. When he came face-to-face with the goalkeeper again, Arthur Cabral allowed Hugo to save!

Three missed penalties, but the attitude and concentration remained! Without giving up and with their heads held high, Benfica pressed on and finally, in the 68th minute, the goal! A free kick for the Eagles in the opponent's half, Di María took it and João Neves, with his back to goal, headed the ball into the back of the Flavienses' net.

Benfica won, 1-0, three points, in a match that precedes an April of decisions... and the first is next Tuesday, April 2nd, with the derby in the 2nd leg of the Portuguese Cup semi-finals.

Starting at 8.45 pm at the Estádio da Luz, the Eagles and the Lions will be fighting for a place in the Jamor Grand Final.