Midway through the first half, with the hosts one goal up, Benfica goalkeeper Julio Cesar gave away a penalty and was sent off. Cue the entrance of beleaguered Spanish guardian Roberto, who went from zero to hero by saving Hugo Leal’s spot kick and setting up an ultimately easy victory.
After defeats in their first two Liga matches Jorge Jesus made two significant changes by demoting Roberto to the bench, calling up Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar in his place, and giving new signing Eduardo Salvio a debut just days after he had been signed from Atletico Madrid.
The Eagles started well with Nicolas Gaitan – excellent throughout – bursting down the left flank and flighting a perfect cross onto the head of Oscar Cardozo who made no mistake with a well executed finish.
Although still lacking the attacking fluidity of last season, Benfica surged forward with menace. Saviola was close to doubling their lead and it appeared only a matter of time before a second goal was added.
Double blow
It came as a shock therefore when Maxi Pereira’s ill-judged back-pass was miscontrolled by goalkeeper Julio Cesar, allowing Zeca to nick the ball away. Cesar’s subsequent trip of the Setubal forward in the six-yard box left the referee with no choice but to brandish the red card and point to the penalty spot. Salvio was sacrificed and substitute Roberto guessed correctly to save Hugo Leal’s effort low to his right.
The Estadio da Luz crowd roared their approval and made a point of cheering the Spaniard whenever he was in action for the rest of the match. In truth that was very little as a desperately unambitious Setubal side failed to capitalise on the fact they had an extra man on the pitch for nigh on 70 minutes of the match.
From the moment Luisao sent a thumping header into the net from Aimar’s corner just before the interval the result was never in doubt. Benfica increased their domination in the second half. Gaitan was again at the heart of their third goal. The Argentine exchanged a neat one-two with Coentrao and crossed low. Setubal goalkeeper Diego Costa could only parry the cross into the path of Aimar who gratefully swept the ball into the net.
Jorge Jesus and Benfica will be delighted to have got their season going, especially as they face two tough matches away at Guimaraes and at home to Sporting after the international break.
by Tom Kundert
Benfica:
Julio Cesar, Maxi, Luisao, David Luiz, Fabio Coentrao, Javi Garcia, Eduardo Salvio (Roberto, 24), Gaitan (Carlos Martins, 72), Aimar, Saviola (Ruben Amorim, 46), Cardozo
Yellow Cards: Luisao
Red Card: Julio Cesar (22)
V. Setubal:
Diego Costa, Ney, Ricardo Silva, Anderson do O, Collin, Miguelito, Jose Pedro, Hugo Leal (Jailson, 52), Zeca (Henrique, 61), Silva, Sassa (Regula, 61)
Yellow Cards: Ricardo Silva, Regula
Goals:
[1-0] Cardozo, 4
[2-0] Luisao, 44
[3-0] Aimar, 57
Portuguese champions Benfica got their first points on the board as they beat a poor Vitoria Setubal 3-0 at the Estadio da Luz tonight, thanks to goals from Cardozo, Luisao and Aimar. 
Gaitan looked very good I think he is much more mature player when Di Maria arrived at Benfica. Di Maria only had one good season at Benfica but it was good enough to get the money I hope to see Gaitan at Benfica for a few years because I see the great potential in him.