Man of the Match

The eagles conceded the opening goal (0-1), however, a great reaction allowed SL Benfica to complete the comeback and end the match from round 32 of the Liga NOS with a handful of goals (5-1). Rafa, the Man of the Match, was decisive after scoring the equalizer (62’) and, minutes later (66’), launching the comeback.

Two goals from the number 27 – third brace of the season bis – that paved the way for the rout that keeps Benfica as the clear leader of the competition.

“We know that now all matches are going to be difficult, there were three matches left to play, we managed to pass another final. We passed another stage, there are two games left and we're fighting to become champions”, claimed the number 27 from the team coached by Bruno Lage.

After scoring in eight of the last ten rounds, Rafa is doing an amazing season and, this Saturday evening, he scored his 15^th goal in the Liga NOS (19^th in all competitions in 2018/19) and completed his third brace in the competition (Chaves, V. Setúbal and Portimonense).

“It's is always good to have our work recognized, but the most important thing is Benfica and the fact we won the game. All the players are happy to score, I'm no different. I'm happy, but the most important thing is to help the team, and that's what happened”, said the athlete when he received the Man of the Match award.

Text: Sónia Antunes

Pics: Cátia Luís / SL Benfica