Collective quality for seventh win in a row

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

With a solid display against Gil Vicente on matchday 20 of the Liga Betclic, Benfica beat the "minhotos" (3-0), at Estádio da Luz to jump to the top of the table. With many moments of quality, the Reds recorded their seventh consecutive win in the competition, extending their unbeaten league record to 19 games. 

Roger Schmidt launched Bah into the starting lineup, promoting the right-back's return to the eleven, which hadn't happened since October 24, 2023 (the defender had been struggling with an injury and returned to the pitch against the "Tricolores" in the previous round). With this option, Aursnes played in attacking midfield, with the Norwegian having greater freedom of movement, together with Rafa and Di María in support of Arthur Cabral.

João Neves and Florentino (in place of Kökcü) occupied the middle of the pitch, while António Silva, Otamendi and Morato kept their positions in defense, as did Trubin between the posts.

With their sights set on a seventh consecutive victory in the competition, the Reds went in full throttle. This was proven by the ball that hit the post after 5 minutes. On the right flank, Di María crossed the ball into the box, and Arthur Cabral, free of his marker, hit the woodwork with a header.

The Reds moved closer to their rivals' box, and the first festive moment in the Cathedral came after 15 minutes. A corner taken by Di María, on the left side of the attack, and Arthur Cabral's header! It was the striker's third goal in the league, and he scored for the second game in a row.

Gil Vicente tried to come out in transition, but didn't show the ability to make a dent. In the 29th minute, in what was the first match at Luz after the 20th anniversary of the Hungarian striker's death (January 25, 2004), a beautiful tribute was paid to Miklós Fehér. There was a heartfelt standing ovation in memory of the eternal number 29, whose parents and sister had witnessed the match in the stadium. Earlier, another tribute to Miki had taken place in the atrium of Gate 18. 

Following Di María's corner kick, the score was 2-0! In the box, Otamendi, close to the penalty spot, deflected the ball towards João Neves, who got the better of Félix, worked over Rúben Fernandes and fired a shot into the back of the net! It was 2-0!

Half-time arrived with an entirely fair lead for the Eagles (2-0), who had six shots on target.

The restart was a replica of the first few minutes: sharpness and desire. In the 48th minute, Aursnes crossed for Arthur Cabral, who, stronger than Rúben Fernandes in the aerial duel, headed the ball for a save from Andrew.

The next minute and the third moment of greatest jubilation for the Benfica fans. A ball from Morato to Aursnes, who played a pass to Rafa. In the box, the striker wasted no time in scoring! The No. 27's eighth goal in the Liga Betclic and Aursnes' sixth assist in the competition.

Benfica were enterprising and produced a beautiful team play, which ended with another cross into the box from Di María. Aursnes flicked the ball on, but it went over the line (62'). With the game under control, Roger Schmidt made his first changes. Morato and Rafa were replaced by Álvaro Carreras, who made his debut at Estádio da Luz, and Neres (67').