Victory as a rule in the "see you later" to Estádio da Luz

It is known that Benfica not always plays the last round of the National Championship at home. It is also a fact that, in the 10 previous years, the Reds used a victory as the general rule in the last match of the season at the Estádio da Luz.

Since 2007/08, the Reds have been unbeatable in the last round of the Championship held at the Cathedral, bagging eight victories and only two draws (U. Leiria and V. Setúbal).

One of those eight triumphs was precisely against next Sunday's opponent, Moreirense. On May 19th, 2013, the team from Moreira de Cónegos visited the Estádio da Luz to play against Benfica in a match from round 30 of the I Liga.

Óscar Cardozo (50’) and Lima (80’ and 90’ p.k.) scored the goals from the Reds. Despite the 3-1 result, Benfica saw FC Porto win at Paços de Ferreira and take the national title.

The streak of three consecutive victories in the last match of the season at home (V. Setúbal in 2007/08, Belenenses in 2008/09 and Rio Ave in 2009/10) was interrupted in the 2010/11 season (a 3-3 draw with União de Leiria). On May 14th, 2011, the reached the half-time with a 1-all draw. Óscar Cardozo, through a free kick, gave the Reds the lead (39’), but João Silva scored the equalizer (43’). In the second half, Javi Garcia (58’) and Franco Jara (64’) gave the eagles a 3-1 lead, but Leandro Lima and João Silva put the game back on level terms. A match which was marked by the last minutes of Nuno Gomes at the Estádio da Luz playing for Benfica.

After that, the Reds bagged two more victories, in a streak halted by Vitória de Setúbal (1-1), on May 4th, 2014, in a match from the 29th and penultimate round. Benfica – already with the League Title secured – entered the pitch with nothing to play for, saving players for the League Cup. The Reds opened the scoring in the 59th minute through André Gomes. Vitória de Setúbal got the equalizer, at 75’, though a penalty kick.

Now, Benfica is in a streak of three victorious matches, which they intend to extend on Sunday in the home match against Moreirense, in the last match at the Estádio da Luz this season. The encounter from Week 34 of the Liga NOS has already been scheduled and the tickets are on sale.

Text: Filipa Fernandes Garcia

Pics: Archive / SL Benfica