Eight straight wins in the Liga NOS: Benfica beats record with 26 goals

The match against V. Guimarães has an indelible mark on Benfica is this edition of the Liga NOS. With the victory over the team from Minho, the eagles have reached eight victories in a row and achieved a new best between the 18 team of the Championship. They are also the best attack of the competition, and the joint best defense, alongside FC Porto, with 16 goals conceded.

The brace from Jonas – the top scorer in this streak, with nine goals– sealed three more points for Benfica on the road towards the desired Fifth consecutive league title.

The best streak began on February 3rd, against Rio Ave, at Estádio da Luz: a rout, by 5-1, with a high-level second half. It was the motto for what would come next and that now culminates with the new record for victories in a row in this edition of the Liga NOS.

With the Red Wave alongside the team, at home or away, the Benfica beat all the opponents (Rio Ave, Boavista, Marítimo, Desportivo das Aves and V. Guimarães at Luz; Portimonense, Paços de Ferreira and Feirense away from home).

The eagle “fed on ” 26 strikes (an average of more than 3 per game) and conceded only three. At its home ground alone, it scored 18! It was at the Cathedral that it bagged the biggest win of this cycle: 5-0 against Marítimo. 

The offensive record stands out, but we cannot ignore the defensive efficiency in this run. In the eight victories, the team kept a clean sheet in five, four of those in a consecutive way (Marítimo, Aves, Feirense and V. Guimarães).

BENFICA'S GOAL SCORERS IN THE 8 VICTORIES IN A ROW

When it comes to scoring, no one shows greater killer-instinct than Jonas. Europe's top scorer has 33 goals in 28 rounds and he is Benfica's top scorer in this streak. He is followed by the defender Rúben Dias and the forward Raúl.

Often, for the goals to be possible, someone must deliver the decisive pass. The reds have good performers in that chapter, but Cervi, André Almeida and Raúl stand out with three assists each in the run of eight consecutive triumphs.

ASSIST PROVIDERS IN THE 8 VICTORIES IN A ROW

Between the 26 goals scored, 14 were scored with the right foot, 7 with the left foot and 5 headers. There were also scored 9 goals through set pieces – an average of more than 1 per game. The laboratory plays have been one of the trademarks of this Benfica and this streak is no exception.

TYPES OF GOALS IN THE 8 VICTORIES IN A ROW

The next match is at Estádio do Bonfim against V. Setúbal. The tickets are already on sale.

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: Archive / SL Benfica