Rout: the first chapter of a glorious history

It was 64 years ago that Costa Pereira and Mário Coluna wore the Benfica’s jersey for the first time. It was in the first match of the 1954/55 season, for the National Championship: the red glories were called by Otto Glória to start the match. Mário Coluna scored twice.

On September 12, 1954 two remarkable players were making a debut. The goalkeeper Costa Pereira and the midfielder Mário Coluna started their path at Benfica with a 5-0 rout against V. Setúbal, at Estádio Nacional (Jamor), for the Matchday 1 of the National Championship.

The debut could not be better for Benfica and for the two glories. While Costa Pereira saved everything, Mário Coluna scored his first two goals with the eagle on his chest (50’, 65’). The remaining goals were scored by Arsénio (5’), Salvador Martins (25’) and José Águas (46’).

Otto Glória, Brazilian coach who also made his debut that day, started with: Costa Pereira, Jacinto, Artur Santos, José Naldo, Francisco Calado, Ângelo, Arnénio, Fernando Caiado, Mário Coluna, Salvador Martins and José Águas, to achieve the first victory in the Championship. Benfica became a National Champion for the 8^th time in History.

The Mozambican midfielder, Coluna, played at Benfica 16 long seasons, converted into 525 matches, 127 goals and 19 titles (2 European Champions Cups, 10 National Championships and 7 Portuguese Cups).

The goalkeeper Costa Pereira also did not escape to attention, playing 13 seasons with the red jersey, 358 matches and winning 13 titles (2 European Champions Cups, 7 National Championships and 4 Portuguese Cups).

The Brazilian coach, Otto Glória, served Benfica for 8 seasons (1954-59 to 1967-70) coaching the squad in 240 matches, with 140 victories, 62 draws and 38 defeats. In what concerns to titles, won 9 (Four National Championships and 5 Portuguese Cups).

Text: Márcia Dores

Pics: Archive / SL Benfica