What is RSS?

Carlsberg Cup: Setubal oust Benfica

Vitoria Setubal 2-1 Benfica (agg. 3-2)

Vitoria Setubal reached the semi-finals of the Carlsberg Cup with a 2-1 win over Benfica. The Sadinos came from a goal down, scored by teenage sensation Freddy Adu, to equalize through a Matheus strike and clinch it with a late Edinho winner.

Setubal were deserved winners as they were the more determined and hungrier team throughout the 90 minutes. Benfica now have to pick up the pieces and prepare for Pacos de Ferreira after allowing an opportunity to win a trophy slip through their fingers.

Claudio Pitbull got the nod up front for Setubal and looked to make his chance count in the 9th minute as he blasted a ball towards the Benfica goal which Butt defended with difficulty. Four minutes later the Brazilian tried to fool the referee by taking a tumble in the Benfica box and pleading for a penalty, but the official was having none of it.

Setubal constantly attacked down the right flank, trying to expose Luis Filipe, but although enjoying plenty of possession their raids were largely ineffective.

Benfica fight back

Benfica’s response came late in the half as the Eagles came close with a Bergessio free kick in the 34th minute that just cleared the crossbar. The Argentine was on the scene again soon afterwards as he hit a firm shot that just missed the right post.

Benfica were starting to pour on the pressure at this point and produced two good chances to score as Rodriguez took a free kick, forcing Eduardo to make a good stop and Edcarlos saw his header go just wide of goal.

On the stroke of half time Benfica were awarded a penalty as the referee adjudged Ricardo Chaves to have pushed Bergessio to prevent the striker from reaching a cross. Freddy Adu was selected to take the penalty and did not disappoint. The American international continued his impressive strike rate, and has now scored in three of Benfica’s last four matches.

Down by a goal, Setubal started the second-half with fervour as they needed to score at least one goal without conceding in order to remain in the competition. Edinho headed over the Benfica net in the 52nd minute and the hosts proceeded to set up a series of half-chances.

Matheus nets again

In the 67th minute Setubal got their equaliser as Matheus continued his good form. The Brazilian pounced on a rebound and slammed the ball past Butt to make it 1-1.

Setubal had two good opportunities in the 77th minute to take the lead as Claudio Pitbull narrowly missed and Ricardo Chaves sent the ball sailing over the net after being put through in the heart of the Benfica box with only Butt to beat.

Setubal finally got their hard-earned go-ahead goal in the 82nd minute as Edinho converted an Adalto cross with his left foot. Benfica came close to levelling the match in the 84th minute, but Eduardo prevented Adu from getting a second goal with a sharp save.

Then Edcarlos headed a Fabio Coentrao cross that missed the net by the thinnest of margins. Bruno Gama could have put the icing on the cake for Setubal, but the U20 Portuguese international saw his effort swatted for a corner kick by Butt.

It did not matter however, as the referee blew the final whistle moments later to spark euphoric celebrations among the Setubal players and sizeable home crowd.

Vitoria Setubal:
Eduardo, Janicio, Robson, Auri, Adalto, Elias, Sandro, Ricardo Chaves, Paulinho (Edinho, 46), Claudio Pitbull (Filipe, 87), Matheus (Bruno Gama, 80)
Yellow Cards: Robson (37), Adalto (38), Ricardo Chaves (45), Claudio Pitbull (64)

Benfica:
Butt, Luis Filipe, Luisao, Marco Zoro, Miguelito, Binya, Edcarlos, Cristian Rodriguez (Andres Diaz, 64), Adu (Yu Dabao, 85), Di Maria (Fabio Coentrao, 69), Bergessio
Yellow Cards: Bergessio (20), Edcarlos (42), Butt (63), Fabio Coentrao (74)

Goals:
[0-1] Freddy Adu, 45 (pen)
[1-1] Matheus, 67
[2-1] Edinho, 82