18 September 2006, by Marco Pereira

Luisao strike gets Benfica off the mark

Benfica 1-0 Nacional

Benfica produced a much-improved performance to open their account for the season as they beat Nacional 1-0 at the Estadio da Luz. A first-half Luisao effort was enough to seal the three points over 10-man Nacional.

Despite a spirited display by the Islanders, their woes continue as they fell to their fourth successive 1-0 defeat this season - three straight losses in the championship and a UEFA Cup defeat in midweek.

The game stared slowly with play confined to midfield and both sides having difficulty stringing two passes together, but it was Benfica who threatened first. In the 19th minute Alcides crossed the ball on the right, which made its way to Simao, who, standing on the penalty spot only managed to hit his shot over the crossbar.

Shortly after Nacional defender Alonso had his shot well saved by Benfica goalkeeper, Quim, who managed to push the ball wide for a corner kick.

Benfica came roaring back and forced three corner kicks in quick succession. Nacional defended each one well, until a fourth in the 29th minute. Benfica captain Simao hit the corner on the left towards the far post where an unmarked Luisao met the ball with his right foot and directed it into the open net with Nacional goalkeeper, Diego, badly out of position.

Golden chance

It did not stop there for Benfica as they continued to attack and in the 33rd minute, Paulo Jorge had a glorious opportunity to double the lead when a great pass by Nuno Assis was completely gaffed by the winger as his shot drifted well wide of the target.

Nacional then had their best spell of the game as the pieced together three good scoring opportunities. Juliano forced Quim into another good stop before Bruno Amaro hit a shot over the crossbar. The best opportunity in the first half for Nacional came in the 36th minute as Alonso’s shot beat Quim, only for the ball to hit the post and bounce to safety.

Benfica regrouped and had another opportunity before the break as Katsouranis headed a Simao free kick just past the net.

The second half started with few chances, but Nacional’s hopes of finding an equaliser were dealt a blow when Cleber Oliveria was sent off in the 57th minute for accumulating two yellow cards.

It did not take Benfica long to try and take advantage of their numerical supremacy, as Alcides came close in the 59th minute when Simao headed the ball from a Leo cross into the 6-yard box but Alcides did not hit his effort cleanly, allowing Diego to punch the ball over the bar for another Benfica corner.

Benfica enjoyed the majority of possession, but a Bruno Amaro bomb in the 73rd minute forced Quim into a sharp stop, with Ricardo Fernandes just failing to convert the rebound.

Benfica’s last chance came just before full time as Simao missed horribly from close in when it looked easier to score. A well deserved victory for Benfica and they can breathe a sigh of relief as they have their first victory under their belts.

Santos satisfied

Benfica coach, Fernando Santos, was satisfied with the victory, but felt that his team could have done more as Nacional made it difficult for his team.

“I think the result is just, a little scarce because Benfica created many opportunities to score the second goal and this would have brought tranquillity. Nacional had one shot that was extremely dangerous and could have destabilised us.”

“We will get better. The result is fundamental after a bad week. The players have demonstrated they have quality.”

Nacional coach, Carlos Brito, recognised that his team have started the season badly, but was not too discouraged after their third consecutive loss in the Liga: “This may seem illogical after a loss, but I would like to thank my players.”

“I am proud of my players, who gave their best and deserved more. We have to be more imposing because the lack of points takes away confidence and breeds fear.”

Benfica:
Quim, Alcides, Luisao, Anderson, Leo, Katsouranis, Karagounis, Paulo Jorge (Miccoli, 72), Nuno Assis (Miguelito, 85), Simao, Kikin Fonseca (Mantorras, 77)
Yellow Cards: Leo (43)

Nacional:
Diego, Patacas, Ricardo Fernandes, Avalos, Alonso, Bruno (Vinicius, 73), Bruno Amaro, Cleber Oliveira, Luciano, Juliano (Adriano, 56), Cassio
Yellow Cards: Ricardo Fernandes (22), Cleber Oliveira (28), Alonso (54) Cleber Oliveira (57)
Red Card: Cleber Oliveira (57)

Goals:
[1-0] Luisao, 29