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| Tuesday, 18 October 2011 21:00 |
FC Basel 0-2 BenficaTen-man Eagles go top of Group C Benfica equalled their best-ever start to a Champions League tonight with a controlled 2-0 victory at FC Basel. Goals from Bruno Cesar and Oscar Cardozo were enough to secure the three points, but the victory was marred by the departure of Maxi Pereira on a stretcher, and the late dismissals of both Emerson and Jorge Jesus.
Before all that, Jesus sprung a surprise with his starting line-up, by selecting Rodrigo ahead of Oscar Cardozo. The Spaniard impressed against Portimonense at the weekend, but remains inexperienced at this level. Cardozo’s inter-continental travels during the last fortnight perhaps contributed to his absence. Elsewhere, Bruno Cesar started ahead of Nolito, whilst Javi Garcia was deemed fit to take his place alongside Axel Witsel. Benfica won their first corner with barely a minute on the clock, but it was Basel who enjoyed the better of the early stages. Promising youngster Xherdan Shaqiri curled a free kick narrowly wide in the fifth minute, as the Eagles struggled to gain a foothold in the game. But the vocal expat support continued to back the away side, and they responded by settling well, and seeing out the initial pressure from their hosts. Pablo Aimar and Nico Gaitan started to come into the game more, with the latter in particular troubling the Basel left-back Park with his penetrative runs. .gif) It was one such foray forward that led to Benfica’s opener, after twenty minutes. Gaitan received the ball in his own half, and with Basel backpedalling, drove towards the penalty box. A swift one-two with Aimar saw Gaitan into the area, and his side-footed pass was allowed by Rodrigo to slip through his legs and into the path of Bruno Cesar. Unmarked by the Basel defence (who were too busy concentrating on Rodrigo), the in-form Brazilian made no mistake, steering the ball calmly beyond Sommer. At that point in the proceedings, Jorge Jesus and co. could scarcely have been happier, as Benfica continued to control the flow of the game. The Eagles were moving the ball with speed and precision, whilst Luisao (who had the most clearances in this season’s Champions League heading into tonight’s matches) marshalled the defence well. The captain’s nous and experience were soon called into extended action, as Basel upped the tempo and pushed hard for a pre-interval equaliser. As ever, Artur contributed a pair of vital saves: firstly from Streller and then from the lively Shaqiri, who tormented Emerson as half time approached. The Benfica left back was made to look somewhat foolish when the Swiss international nutmegged him and skipped towards goal, with the former Lille man forced into a clear obstruction, which yielded a caution. Despite these hairy moments, Benfica withstood the pressure just as they had done early on, and might have added to their lead in the closing minutes of the first half, with Gaitan bursting into the box only for Dragovic to appear with a last-ditch interception; and the Argentine shooting over from a similar position a minute later. The Eagles picked up where they left off at the restart, controlling the tempo and constricting the space in which Basel were able to operate. The Swiss side enjoyed more possession throughout, but were simply not allowed to establish a consistent threat.  Benfica also continued to press forward. Emerson might have added a second after nine minutes of the second half when Basel failed to clear their lines, but the left back’s strike was beaten away by Sommer. Aimar also might have done better just after the hour mark, but his first-time shot from Luisao’s lofted ball forward was straight at the Basel goalkeeper. Luisao displayed outstanding vision to pick out his teammate, and generally delivered a composed performance, but his mis-timed attempt at a headed clearance almost had disastrous consequences. Stroller was lurking and managed to get a shot away, but Artur smothered it to keep Benfica’s noses ahead. Whilst the Eagles back line enjoyed a strong outing, their opponents became somewhat ragged as the match went on, with their coordination for Benfica’s second particularly lamentable. Cardozo, who had replaced Rodrigo with twenty minutes remaining, produced a crisp, low free kick which squirmed beyond Sommer, but replays indicated that even a half-baked wall would probably have neutered any danger. It summed up a frustrating evening for the Swiss side, who are still recovering from the sudden departure of coach Thorsten Frink. Frustration became the primary theme of the closing stages. Firstly, Benfica were forced to endure the worrying sight of Maxi Pereira being stretchered off with a serious-looking injury. Miguel Vitor was sent on as an auxiliary full-back, a role he will likely retain against Beira-Mar at the weekend. The youngster has expressed frustration at his lack of playing time recently, but will not have wanted to increase his chances under such circumstances. Sensing the full time whistle, and deprived of Maxi’s lung-bursting runs forward, Benfica dropped back for the remainder of the encounter. Artur tipped over a snap shot from Shaqiri, but the Eagles saw out the final thirteen minutes without too much trouble – at least from a defensive perspective.  For on the night that he joined Sven-Goran Eriksson as the most successful (in terms of European victories) coach in the club’s history, Jorge Jesus saw his first choice left-back dismissed for a foolish second yellow card; and then followed Emerson to the changing rooms soon after, having failed to keep his cool after a late Shaqiri challenge on Bruno Cesar. Replays were inconclusive as to his offence, but referee Viktor Kassai sent the fiery Jesus muttering and cursing into the bowels of St. Jakob-Park; though he did at least recover his composure enough to shake the hand of Heiko Vogel on his way towards the tunnel. It was an unsatisfactory conclusion to what was largely an excellent night’s work for Benfica, who now sit two points clear of Manchester United (were also 2-0 winners away, at Otelul Galati) at the top of Group C. The Eagles’ next Champions League assignment is at home to Basel, on November 2nd. Goals [0-1] Bruno Cesar, 20’ [0-2] Cardozo, 75’ Benfica: Artur; Maxi Pereira (Miguel Vitor, 77), Luisao, Garay, Emerson; Javi Garcia, Axel Witsel; Gaitan, Aimar (Nolito, 66’); Rodrigo (Cardozo, 70’) Ben Shave |
«É uma situação que preocupa toda a gente. Sou privilegiado em relação a muitos. Os nossos políticos, se fossem treinadores, estavam pouco tempo a governar o país», disse Jorge Jesus.
Well said.
I know that two seasons was a special season but after last year I am totally gobsmacked by these stars I just read in A Bola today:
73.1% Wins
2.3 Goals Scored/game
0.8 Goals conceded/game
I would be ecstatic with this record on Football Manager let alone real life! His team has scored the most goals since Jimmy Hagan in the 70's!
This is a feat, no doubt about it. Whether it's Vieira's or Rui Costa's squad is neither here nor there, it's still the managers that has to get them playing. Look up north for an indication of a strong squad bereft of AVB...
They in my opinion are the result of a great squad.
Same Big Game weird squad selections.. difference.. the bench is so strong we still win. LFV has child proofed the squad for JJ.
But when Benfica was placed in this group don't tell me that you thought they would finish last in the group. We got an easy group by all estimation, bar Man U. So the expectation was to end up at the worst second.
To be honest a 3rd place finish wouldn't be bad in my books because I think Benfica could win Europa comfortably this year, and that is a big Euro trophy I want and I still think we are a few players shy of winning the champions league.. for the reasons I stated in the last post.
So although I do enjoy reading your posts doesn't mean I have to agree with you on everything. You & NJ commented about how well JJ was doing and I refuted the comments.
Besides I am very happy with LFV's performance, Nolito's, Cesar's, Cardozo's, Witsel's, Aimar's, Matic's, Vitor's, Luisao's, Garay's, Maxi's, Artur's, Eduardo's, Oliveira's, Rodrigo's, & Mika's.
Too a lesser extent I am also happy with Gaitan's, Perez's performance and even Emerson's effort so there is much to be happy about.
I am just saying it could've been accomplished easier.
It is not that JJ is not a decent manager.. for the Liga he is adequate and every few years will win a Liga title. But he will he will not bring us Euro trophies.. that is what I build my whole analysis on.
For Benfica to win the Champions League they not only need a good squad.. they will need cohesive teamwork, some individual performances, and a phenom for a Manager.
Now we have a good squad with depth.. in key areas, the teamwork is getting better, we definitely have a few players that can put up individual performances, where we lack is at the Manager role.
I personally think this squad is much better than the squad that won the Liga a couple of seasons ago.. so in my estimation JJ's weird Euro/Big Game line-ups are negated because of the quality oozing through-out the squad.
He sits great players and with decent players starting still wins. Like I said to start this season.. this team is ALMOST JJ proof.
What I mean by saying that is not placing in the top 3 in the Liga that is a given.. I mean consistency and going far in the real competitions.. in Europe. I will only mildly be happy by winning the Liga..
Now I appreciate winning the Champions League is not an easy task.. Europa easier.. but semi in the CL would suffice.. and Mourinho proved that a good team can beat the GIANTS.. this team is a few players off of that but a good January Window and the inclusion of a couple of high flying youngsters.. and it is attainable, very attainable.
So yes I do think JJ is still making the same errors, with squad selection but because the squad is so good the results have been better.
I am riding Gaitan not because he is completely useless, the same for Emerson, & Javi I am just saying that of the squad that is considered JJ's starters there are others that are better. Gaitan can have great games and properly managed he would even be better.
I am just happy about the results, and do feel LFV has catapulted Benfica to a new height.
No one is happier than me to have this team JJ proof.
With a stronger defence for the second half of this season, the sky is the limit as to what we could achieve if the team carries on improving. As for Orlando Mac, my friend you bring new meaning to the term "There's no pleasing some people" haha. How can you still be complaining when we've just won 2 consecutive CL away matches without conceding...sit top of the group and with home matches to come against Basel and Otelul giving us a good chance to win the group. Come on bro, we're doing great right now...enjoy it while it lasts!!
---------------- Artur -------------------
Maxi - Luisao - Garay - Emerson
---------- Axel -------- Javi -----------
- Gaitan ------ Aimar ------ Nolito -
-------------- Cardozo ----------------
Subs
G: Eduardo
D: Jardel, Vitor
M: Matic, Cesar, Amorin
F: Saviola, Rodrigo
As of right now, I feel that's benfica's best squad.
For a match you would have to choose either Jardel or Amorin. I'm treating Amorin more as a wide defender.
Two matches verse Feirense and Portimonense does not warrant a Capdevilla's annointment. We will agree to disagree on him. Keep in mind that I thought that Capdevilla would bring a great deal of experience for the CL. For me he has to prove himself further. I was happy to see that teamates have mentioned that he has been the consumate professional and is working hard.
By the way Emerson does work hard. He's actually very good pressing the opponent has ball arrives. He does need to work on his footwork while back peddling.
We are also used to Coentrao, who isn't easily replaceable.
Benfica has already come out that they will be strengthening their defense come January.
By the way, Capdevilla could be added to the squad after the Group stages should we advance.
I too would have started Nolito ahead of Cesar, not Gaitan. Cesar could have come in for Aimar.
But after Cesar's performance, you can't really gripe.
As fans, I know that we don't really care about finances, but Benfica clearly sees Gaintan as its next cash cow. He has been showcased, and will continue to be so. Fair? No.
But he did play well vs Basel, and was actually seen track back and make himself usefull on more than one occasion.
We all know that Nolito will need to be huge for our club. He seems to be fine with his current role. Of course he would prefer to start, but so far no complaining.
I love Matic, and he will be a fixture here, or we'll cash in. His time will come.
Cardozo had international duty, but I was surprised that it was Rodrigo and not Saviola. Let me add that this further leads me to think that Saviola is gone come January. Although that would leaves us thin up top.
By the way, Rodrigo's awareness on the goal, was great. It means that he's doing all the right things in training.
Orlando, I know that you think that all has fallen into JJ's lap. But the fact remains that he has changed this season. Does he have a bloated ego and wants attention? Yes. But, as long as we are winning, it's all good.
Let's give him a bit of credit.
I thought starting Rodrigo was unexpected and incredibly gutsy, and it send out a message, actually two messages, one it told Rodrigo that he is taken serious, so serious that he starts a Champions League game (why not the right game? If you're good enough you're old enough and for any game) and two, it told Cardozo, Saviola and even Nolito that they are not automatic starters, that here is a very promising player that can take your place.
How much of a risk was it? Well, it depends how good the player is, the team to support him and the quality of the opposition. I think JJ assessed the situation correctly and it was a good game to try him out, but you can tell that he's not ready yet and he'll need games although he made some good runs and a smart decision to let the ball go to César.
Speaking of which, I was pleased Bruno César got a chance to start and I thought he was good. The thing with Nolito, especially in an away game, is that he's too selfish and often loses the ball, in that sense BC is a surer bet he's more of a team player. I'm talking in terms of offensive play, and Gaitan has the advantage over both because he knows the system and he does pass, against Manchester United he had the pass of the season. Defending, yes, Nolito is very good, but so was BC, Gaitan is generally suspect I agree but he was good on Tuesday.
I still believe Benfica's weakness is the defence but on Tuesday it was an outstanding performance, there was always a block, a leg in the way, when Basel managed to get shots in Artur was equal to it, a great clean sheet, it's a shame the problems at full back, I've said from the beginning that Benfica need another right back.
The left back situation with Capdvilla is strange and I don't pretend what's going on and who's fault is it. It could be a similar situation to Eduardo, and maybe it's true JJ is being stubborn and perhaps doesn't like the players but Artur has been good and improving, Emerson, well... all I say is he's ok.
I know JJ pooped out some excuses at the start of the season and clearly NJ you enjoyed the taste of the shit because you continuously repeat it. Capedevila showed up late to camp.. as the contract was not signed until very late, most players had been training for months by then. JJ makes excuses for not starting him to justify his stupidity.
In this case mostly because he doesn't like Capedevila for some reason (I am not CapededoucheBags fav fan either but can admit that he is the better option).. as is the case with many talented players along JJ's reign of "Making Everything Look More Difficult" tm. ..
The facts are that in every game Capedevila has played which is very few he has outperformed Emerson who continues to be an albatross around the neck of the defence.
If he CDV is out of shape and DESTROYING Emerson just imagine what he would look like in regular game shape.
Emerson's two cards were deserved and his overall play is still way below par.. can't shoot, can barely pass, and can't defend.. what I do give him credit for is that he works hard, and does try.. he is just not at Benfica calibre in the French League he was probably very impressive.
Even if the first card was marginal as you state.... then he is a complete moron for tackling the dude like that in the second half.. what did he think was going to happen since he got a yellow for very little?
Your defence of him only makes Emerson look more stupid.. I am just happy he will not play. If the Manager is not smart enough to make that call I am happy he will be banned for at least one game.. hopefully more.
Then you say it is a good line-up....
How can you say that...?
The best players on the team are on the bench.. in probably one of the most pivotal matches of the CL, away to Basel who embarrassed Man U in England.
How could leaving the best players you have on the bench be the right move?
Can you explain me that premise?
My dad too thinks Nolito is under performing because the stooge on the radio who loves JJ said so.
Nolito who in 5 Starting Line-ups has 5 Goals is forced to start from the bench.. which so coincides also with the games he has started to decline in scoring.
In Contrast in 6 starts Gaytan has 1 goal. I am glad he had a decent game.. and actually had an assist which is extremely rare for him, since he shoots way more than he passes. I am also impressed by the fact that he actually played a total futebol game and realized that the ball also goes into his own end and that he has to appear south of his own teams equator.. wow one match of playing defence.. impressive.
Many complained about Nolitos defending early in preseason (one game actually) yet he tracks back 99 times better than the Gaytan. So his reward is the bench.
How can you compare the two there is none.. Nolito is better period.. this equals the bench because his salary is much lower than Gaytans.
Then Cesar who should be in the middle if not replacing Gaytan on the right... with a Nolito- Aimar- Cesar front end.. who also was out of shape,.. and missed training.. when he wasn't told when to show up too started poorly.
Then Vitor who started out amazingly fortunatley got injured at the right time so the excuses of him being out of shape.. and bellow form were not needed.. of course Matic too showed up fat and is not good enough. Eduardo too is fat although he makes spectacular saves.. which can be blamed on making repeatedly..
This team is quite powerful and Luis Filipe needs much praise.. this squad is litrally retard proof. Doesn't matter who you put out there.. they should win.. and of course JJ has been a genius because he has been forced to play players that he did not want to.. that are far surperior to his choices... and continually do well. What a genius..
With Luisao, Maxi, Garay, Cesar, Aimar, Witsel, Artur.. throw in Cardozo for 10 minutes & Nolito.. is not any team in danger.
No it is the she the sheer genius of the wack one.
Truth is Carlos Quieroz could win with this squad.. AVB would win an Europa title, and Mourinho would get a Champions League title .. but JJ is a genius for accomplishing less than.
Hey Andre & NJ, my friend has some prime Florida property for sale.. right near the water with a great view. It is secluded and private as no one lives near that swamp .. and if you contact me now I can get you a discount
Just thought I should bring up many pre season predictions and compare them now cosidering the season is a good portion underway( I am sure at least a quarter of it has been completed)
No I'm not happy that he got sent off. I like him sticking up for his playes, but he's got to be smarter about it.
The lineup was great, and even the substitutions were spot on. I thought that Rodrigo looked very good, and seems like he'll fit in well. Great awareness from him on the goal. Not many strikers would let that ball go through.
Aimar continues to be great and we were able to rest him. Cesar moving to the middle is the natural move. He's also settled in nicely.
I thought that Gaitan played really well, and just missed on a couple of chances. More importantly I hadn;t seen him drop back and help as often or well as he did in this game.
Javi looked good as well, especially on the ball. Him and Axel are settling in very nicely.
Luisao and Garay were solid and Artur came up big when called upon.
I actually thought that Emerson had a very good game. The first yellow was very soft, especially on the replay. Barely any contact.
I love Maxi, but he's been shaky at times on long balls coming to his side in the box. However he will be a huge miss, for what ever time he misses. I believe it's not as bad as originally thought.
I still say that Capdevilla caused his own ommission to the CL squad. I know that it could hurt, but hopefully he'll settle in yet, and find a spot for after the Group Stages, if he's still here.
Getting 3 points on the road off the Group leader is huge. Ten points and you should be through, so it's looking very good. Should we win at home vs Basel, a win vs Otelul would guarantee 1st. It would still be up to the draw, but it could be a ton easier.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves, there's still a lot of football left to be played. But Benfica is playing very well, right now.
On a side note, I was thrilled to see all the Benfiquistas that were at the game. Greatest supporters, ever.
Nolito, Bruno Cesar and Axel have made outstanding starts to their Benfica careers and have needed no time at all to adapt. While at the back, Artur and Garay are looking like top signings and looking better and better every game that passes. This has been the main difference this season, a much more solid backline to suppourt our attacking approach. And what's more we will have Enzo Perez back in january, who will effectively be like a new signing. I'm expecting big things from him too in the second half of the season.
The group is certainly winneable now, and another win over Basel at Da Luz will almost definitely guarantee second place at the least. Only blip last night was Emerson getting suspended, I knew it was a mistake omitting Capdevila from the CL squad. But still no complaints really, 7 points from 3 matches is fantastic and we may only need 3 more to qualify. Things are looking up, and an exciting season in store for all of us...
Nice performance from Benfica though, it was an almost Porto-esque European style away performance.
So many times in recent years we've seen Porto go to difficult places in Europe and control games and win them, and now Benfica finally seem to be putting their pathetic European away performances behind them with some disciplined displays on the road. Credit where its due.
I hope Maxi will play the 2nd leg but if he cant i still believe we can win this match without our first choice left and right backs! Forca SLB!
Although i dont think Emerson is as bad as most people do he is a weakness in this team however having both their Right back and left back out is not good for Benfica, JJ really should have picked Capdevilla as a back up, oh well hopefully Maxi comes back soon, untill then fire up MIGUEL VITOR!
Man Utd only won with pks. We have a good chance of finishing first and going deep in the knock outs.
Good thing we have a world class defender in Capde........
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ohwait.
Damnit, JJ.
And to all the HATERS the king ARTUR proved why he has that nickname damn he made some great shots Benfica are almost their we must stay focus and get the three points at home no easy task but if we can win away we can win at home
FORCA BENFICA
o and Cardozo puts another free kick in well done tacuara :)
Still the next match, at home, against Basel is equally important. A win would guarantee a spot to the next round it's going to be hard without a RB and LB. Jesus's not naming Capdevilla for the CL matches is hitting Jesus back in the arse.