Talent and inspiration picked up three points in the Algarve

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Benfica picked up the 5th consecutive win in the Liga Betclic, after beating Portimonense by 1-3, at the Portimão Estádio. Bah, Musa and Neres scored the goals from the eagles, in a clash in which Trubin also stood out, saving a penalty when the score was 1-2.

Roger Schmidt has chosen an eleven with three new additions compared to the one against FC Salzburg: Morato, Florentino and Neres came on in place of António Silva, João Neves and Di María, who was left out of the squad as a result of an injury suffered against the Austrians.Trubin, Bah, Otamendi, Aursnes, Kökcü, João Mário, Rafa and Musa completed the line-up for the game on matchday 6.

In his 50th game for Benfica, Bah was responsible for a dream start for the national champions. Following a beautiful build-up play between Neres and João Mário, Kökcü delivered the ball to the Danish full-back, who opened the scoring from outside the box after 5 minutes. It was a great goal that allowed Bah to score his first goal in 2023/24.

In control of the game, Benfica naturally made it 0-2. In the 17th minute, Kökcü showed all his vision and served Neres with an excellent pass. From the left, the No7 crossed into the box, where Musa fired in a left-footed shot. The Croatian's third Liga Betclic goal crowned Roger Schmidt's team's excellent start to the game.

In the start of the second half, Roger Schmidt made three changes: João Neves, Arthur Cabral and Jurásek came on in place of Kökcü, Musa and Bah, whose departure meant that Aursnes moved to the right side of the defense.

With their focus always on winning the ball back, Benfica gave away some space at the back and, in a quick move, Portimonense managed to reduce the deficit after 56 minutes: Hélio Varela made a run down the right flank, broke into the box and shot to make it 1-2.

In the 59th minute, the Algarveans came very close to restoring equality. Following a shot from Rildo, Morato inadvertently intercepted the ball with his right hand inside the area. In the first instance, referee Hélder Malheiro signaled a corner kick, but, alerted by the VAR, went to review the images and signaled a penalty against Benfica.

In the 59th minute, the Algarveans came very close to leveling the score. Following a shot from Rildo, Morato inadvertently intercepted the ball with his right hand inside the area. In the first instance, referee Hélder Malheiro signaled a corner kick, but, alerted by the VAR, went to review the images and awarded a penalty against Benfica.

Rildo himself advanced to the 11-meter mark, but his shot towards the bottom right corner was stopped by Trubin, who flew in and held the Reds' lead, receiving the applause of the thousands of Benfiquistas who painted Portimão Estádio red.

Determined to nip Portimonense's reaction in the bud, Roger Schmidt's team took the reins and responded almost immediately. Rafa won the ball back in Benfica's half and raced down the central corridor until he reached the edge of the box and served Neres, who was advancing down the left. With all the coolness in the world, he shot to make it 1-3 in the 66th minute.

With three points in the bag, Benfica returns to the pitch next Friday, September 29, against FC Porto, on matchday 7 of the Liga Betclic. The "clássico", which marks the eagles' return to the Estádio da Luz for league matches, is scheduled for 8:15 pm.