Infernal cycle surmounted with passes of magic

Many figures help to explain the Benfica’s spotless record in this infernal start of the season with eight matches in 27 days, that translated into the qualification for the Champions League group stage and the top spot of the Liga NOS.

On Sunday, against Nacional, Benfica closed this cycle with a rout, by 0-4, and now, due to the international break, it is time to make a balance. In general terms, the key numbers are these ones: eight matches, zero defeats, 17 goals scored (2,1 by encounter) and only six goals conceded.

In the Liga NOS a special emphasis for the shots chapter. With a total of 63 shots in four rounds, Benfica made 31 shots on target, which makes an efficiency of 49,2%, thus outperforming the rivals Sporting and FC Porto, according to the data from the platform Wyscout.

In this chapter, but in the Champions League, the numbers are also worth mentioning. 54 shots in four matches, 21 of those on target, which adds up to an efficiency of 39%.

Ball on the feet, control and rhythm

One of the most important aspects of the game of football is the pass. It is through it that a team controls a match and its rhythms.

In this parameter, Benfica is one of the best teams and that can be seen in the figures presented, in the Liga NOS or in the Champions League. The total pass efficiency is very similar (84,6 in the Championship and 85,3 in Europe), but then each reality takes its path.  

In the Liga NOS, the eagles have an average of 465,5 passes per match and it was in the debut, against Vitória de Guimarães, that the figures stood out the most: 552 passes in total and 88,7% of efficacy.

Predominantly offensive, the matrix of Benfica is to make forward passes that launch the attack. In average, the team makes 157,5 accurate forward passes – efficacy of 78,1% –, a percentage that was surpassed against the “vimaranenses” and in the derby (80,3%).

In the Champions League, the Reds have an average of 487 passes per match, exceeded against Fenerbahçe at Luz: 632 passes and 87,7% accuracy. In the forward passes, the record is in the 164,25 per match (efficacy of 81,3%).

The convergence returns in the long passes. In both competitions, Benfica has an accuracy of 57% in the long passes.

Benfica controlling the game

In the ball possession, Benfica also gives no chance to the opponents. On average, both in Portugal and in the UEFA competition, the ball possession percentage is above 50%. In the Liga NOS, the record is in the 53,52% and it was in the derby that the team had the ball possession for the longest time: 61.17%.

In the Champions League, the ball possession is above 54,24%, with the curiosity of the men under Rui Vitória have finished the home matches – Fenerbahçe and PAOK – with ball possession above 60%.

More than 50% of Benfica’s corner kicks result in shots and against PAOK there was even a goal from Jardel. In the Liga NOS, the percentage is in the 69%; in the Champions League is in the 59%.

After the break, the Champions League group stage kicks off against Bayern on September 19; the Liga NOS returns with the home match against Desportivo das Aves on September 23. Before those two matches, there is a League Cup match against Rio Ave at the Estádio da Luz (September 16 is the provisional date).

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: Archive / SL Benfica and Hélder Santos