Vitória's cycle with new blood

On October 11th , Rui Vitória promised a new cycle for the Benfica team, with triumphs and starting against Olhanense in the Portuguese Cup.

The numbers, in terms of the domestic competitions, are there for everyone to see. Three days after the coach words, Gabriel Barbosa lobbed the goalkeeper, at Estádio Algarve, and put Benfica in the 4th round of the Portuguese Cup – where they will face V. Setúbal. Then came three triumphs in the Liga NOS between matchweek 9 and 11 (1-3 away at Aves , 1-0 at home against Feirense and 1-3 away at V. Guimarães), which in the domestic competitions  make up four consecutive wins, matching the best streak of the season (Super Cup and the first three games of the Championship).

Comparing the previous 10 matches with the four encounters in this new Vitória's cycle, we can see the average goal scored rose from 1,9 per game to two; in the conceded goals, the evolution is clearer, with the average dropping from 0,8 to 0,5 per game.

The new faces have been making the difference

Rúben Dias, centre-back who graduated from Caixa Futebol Campus, has played every minute after the match against Marítimo (he didn't play). He cemented his place in the Four-time Champions Starting XI, he was crucial in Jonas' goal against Feirense and almost scored against Olhanense.

Svilar, 18 years old, won a place in the Starting XI in this Portuguese Cup and never lost that place, receiving accolades from José Mourinho (who also mentioned Rúben Dias and Diogo Gonçalves), Manchester United's coach, and David de Gea, goalkeeper of the red devils.

We have not reached the first third of the championship and, as Rui Vitória highlighted  ahead of the match against V. Guimarães, the statements should be made in the end.

However, there are several new faces in the defense. Just like the Belgian stopper, Diogo Gonçalves has been an option since the game against Olhanense. On the left flank of the midfield, the youngster who graduated from Seixal has stood out, specially due to his pace and shooting ability.

Tactical dynamics between 4-4-2 and 4-3-3

Since the Portuguese coach arrive at Luz, the 4-4-2 has been the preferred formation. However, Rui Vitória had promised, in an interview with BTV at the end of May, new formations for 2017/18.

In Manchester and in Guimarães we saw a Benfica team with a reinforced midfield, with a third midfielder (4-3-3). In England played Fejsa, Samaris and Pizzi, but in Guimarães the triangle was more offensive, with Krovinovic replacing the Greek player.

Text: Marco Rebelo