14 Sepember 2006, by Marco Pereira

Dour Benfica earn point in Denmark

FC Copenhagen 0-0 Benfica

Benfica kicked off this season’s Champions League campaign in Denmark with a 0-0 draw against hosts, FC Copenhagen. The performance will leave Benfica fans scratching their heads thinking that their team could have done much more to attempt a victory.

The first half was mediocre at best for both teams. FC Copenhagen had a more spring in their step, but never really threatened Benfica’s goal, while the Eagles were playing a more patient, perhaps timid, game.

Benfica’s only chance came near half time as Simao took a corner kick, Paulo Jorge ran to meet the ball and re-direct it into the box where Luisao was waiting, but the Brazilian slipped at the crucial moment and failed to make contact.

The best opportunity in the second half came in the 74th minute as Benfica forward, Paulo Jorge, fought off his marker and let fly with his left foot. The ball beat the Copenhagen goalkeeper, Christansen, but cannoned back off the post.

Santos concern

The poor display by Benfica was a concern for Benfica coach Fernando Santos, who felt the team could have done more, although he stated that the point his team earned is not all that bad.

“In the first half we were well organised defensively and our objective was to exploit the counter attack, reach their net as much as possible, but we did not do that,” he said.

“The team came off a very negative result, and in spite of being motivated, that had an influence on tonight’s performance. In the second half we improved and had the best opportunity of the game when Paulo Jorge hit the post.”

Benfica captain Simao, who had not played since Portugal’s final World Cup match against Germany on June 8, said he felt good physically but was not yet at the level he would like to be. The player echoed his coach in saying that a point won is a good start in the Champions League.

“We faced some difficulties in the beginning due to our adversaries’ athleticism, but we later controlled the game defensively. We had one opportunity to score and did not take it, pure and simple.”

Benfica’s next Champions League match will be a much tougher test as they face Manchester United on September 26 at the Estadio da Luz, with United likely to be gunning for revenge after the fate they suffered last season at the hands of Benfica.

Before that, Benfica must focus on their next Bwin Liga match against Nacional at home on Sunday.

PortuGOAL Man of the Match:
Paulo Jorge – Benfica’s winger was involved in the only two occasions when Benfica threatened FC Copenhagen’s goal, and he was the closest anybody came to scoring on the night, when he tricked his way past Bergdolmo and struck a venomous shot against the post.

FC Copenhagen:
Christiansen, Jacobsen, Hangeland, Gravqaard, Bergdolmo, Silberbaur, Linderoth, Norregaard, Hutchinson, Gronkjaer (Kvist, 42), Berglund (Pimpong, 73)
Yellow Cards: Norregarrd (45)

Benfica:
Quim, Alcides, Luisao, Ricardo Rocha, Leo, Katsouranis, Petit, Paulo Jorge, Nuno Assis, Simao (Manu, 81), Nuno Gomes (Kikin Fonseca, 89)
Yellow Cards: Alcides (31)