Pressing identity has paid off

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Benfica held, on Wednesday, July 12, the first training match of the pre-season. At Saint George's Park, the Eagles beat Southampton 0-2 with goals from Neres and Mihailo, both in the first half.

Samuel Soares, João Victor, Lucas Veríssimo, Morato, Mihailo, Chiquinho, Kökcü, Neres, Aursnes, Rafa and Musa were the men chosen by Roger Schmidt to start the match.

A quick transition from defense, with Mihailo delivering the ball to Rafa. The forward progressed with the ball, opened up for Neres, who shot successfully and opened the scoring (0-1, 11').

At the end of the first half, 0-2 came. After a pass from Aursnes, Mihailo, with an opponent in front of him, advanced down the left flank and fired an unstoppable shot in the 45th minute. Half-time with a fair lead for the Eagles (0-2).

At the resumption of the training match, Roger Schmidt only kept Samuel Soares. Bah, António Silva, Tomás Araújo, Rafael Rodrigues, Florentino, João Neves, João Mário, Tengstedt, Tiago Gouveia and Schjelderup came on. 

Before the final whistle, in the 90th minute, Benfica had another chance. Rafael Rodrigues' pressure had an effect, the defender crossed to João Mário who, with his first touch, did not hit the ball well.

The first test was completed, with a triumph by two without reply.