Benfica wins the Sado International Tournament

A Benfica still in an experimental phase drew – and a draw was enough to take the trophy to Luz – against Vitória de Setúbal (1-1), in its second and last match of the Sado International Tournament. A special emphasis for the absolute debut of Odysseas and Ebuehi.

Without Luisão, Krovinovic, Zivkovic and Rafa, Rui Vitória fielded a starting XI with four changes in relation to the match against Napredak: Svilar, Rafa, João Félix and Castillo left the starting line-up to give their place to Odysseas, Cervi, Jonas and Ferreyra. Three new faces for 2018/19. The coach kept André Almeida, Conti, Jardel, Grimaldo, Fejsa, Pizzi, Gedson in the starting XI.

33 minutes. It was the time it took for the first goal of the evening to arrive. A great cross from Pizzi to the Argentinean new signing Ferreyra, who got ahead of Semedo and scored the first goal of the evening and his first goal with Benfica's shirt through a header.

After the resumption, several changes in the eleven, with Rui Vitória betting on a 4x3x3 instead of the 4x4x2 from the first half: Odysseas, Grimaldo, Pizzi, Cervi, Jonas and Ferreyra were replaced by Bruno Varela, Yuri Ribeiro, Chiquinho, João Félix, Heri and Castillo.

A good reaction from V. Setúbal in the second half. At 54’ they got the equalizer. A free kick taken by Nuno Valente and Vasco Fernandes scored the 1-1.

Jardel was named the Best Scorer and the Best Player of the Tournament. The preparation cycle continues. Benfica departs, on Sunday, for the second training camp of the 2018/19 season, this time in England. The Reds will be at St. George's Park, from 15 to 20 of July.

Text: Filipa Fernandes Garcia

Pics: Isabel Cutileiro / SL Benfica