From Simão to Raúl there have been five wins and 16 goals scored

The first clash in the Championship between Benfica and Moreirense occurred in this century. Even so, and despite the short record, there are several numbers and curiosities to analyze.

The journey began in 2002/03, but the emphasis must be for the five consecutive victories of must be Benfica at home, for the League, against the team from Moreira de Cónegos. Before we board this hand-full of triumphs, we remember that Simão Sabrosa was the first player from the eagles to have scored against Moreirense. The match, held at the old Estádio da Luz on February 3rd, 2003, finished with a 1-all draw. The Portuguese winger scored the equalizer at 79’ after Moreirense had opened the scoring at 56’ by Agostinho.

After a shaky start (two draws, in 2002/03 and 2003/04), the Reds never again dropped points in front of their fans. In all, there are five triumphs and 16 goals scored, the last of those scored by Raúl.

The first of the five victories happened on a year the team won the title. It was in the 2004/05 season, Trapattoni was at the helm of the eagles that finished the season celebrating at the Bessa, 11 years after the last title. The Champions had returned back! In the start of that journey, in the round 2, Moreirense visited Luz with good expectations, but Petit – curiously the current coach of Moreirense (on the photo) – and Simão made a point of showing the Reds' superiority, with accurate strikes at 24’ and 82’, respectively.

Benfica got used to three goals scored

After 2004/05, Moreirense went through the lower division of the Portuguese football, returning to the Portuguese top flight in 2012/13. It is also from that season on that the victory of Benfica over this opponent at Luz was a synonym of three goals scored. Trailing by 0-1, the Benfica performed a comeback through Cardozo and a brace from Lima. Moreirense returned to the II Division in 2013/14 and a new clash was scheduled for 2014/15. A carbon copy of 2012/13, the final score was once again 3-1.

In the 2015/16 season, the triumph resulted from the determination and the belief. Round 3 of the Liga NOS: Rafael Martins opened the scoring at 29’; Benfica pushed on but only managed to get the equalizer at 75’, through Raúl. In the following minute, Samaris, gave Benfica the lead with a long-range shot. Miguel Leal's men did not throw in the towel and got the equalizer through Ramón Cardozo (84’). The match was closed to the end when Jonas scored the winner at 86’, with a left-foot volley which deflected on Stefanovic.

The win with the biggest goal difference against this emblem happened last season. Estádio da Luz with more than 55 thousand people in the stands pushing Benfica towards the Four league title in a row. Pizzi scored at 32’. The Portuguese midfielder extended the lead at 57’ after an assist from Salvio. Raúl, at 88’, set the final score in 3-0.

THE FIVE WINS OF BENFICA AGAINST MOREIRENSE IN THE Liga NOS

This edition of the Liga NOS finished with a new clash between the to emblems at the Estádio da Luz. The tickets are on sale at the usual places.

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: Archive / SL Benfica