Start point: the reunion, 31 years later

At the beginning of the cycle of seven matches in 23 days, Benfica its debut in 2019/20 edition of the Portuguese Cup against Cova da Piedade, at the Estádio Municipal José Martins Vieira, at 8:30 pm on Friday. This is the second time that the Reds kick off in the competition against the team from Almada.

The first time was in 1988/89, but at Estádio da Luz and the eagles won by 9-1. Magnusson was the standout player with a hat-trick; Abel and Pacheco scored a brace; Lima and Hernâni also added their names to the score sheet on November 1, 1988.

This will be the fourth clash between Cova da Piedade and Benfica, curiously always for the Portuguese Cup. The Eagles won the three previous matches, scored 19 goals and conceded only four.

With 80 presences in the Portuguese Cup, Benfica is the club with more trophies: 26, the last of which won in 2016/17. They have carried out 442 matches and 337 triumphs (76% efficacy) and at their venue, the winning percentage is of 95% (195 in 219).

In individual terms, highlight to the Benfica's top scorers in the Portuguese Cup. Eusébio tops the list with 98 goals, followed by José Águas, with 70; Nené (67), Torres (57) and Arsénio (54) round off the top 5.

Last 5 starts in the Portuguese Cup

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: Archive / SL Benfica