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| Sunday, 08 January 2012 22:07 |
Liga round-up: Benfica go topEagles comfortable winners over Leiria Sunday’s five Liga fixtures saw Benfica move clear at the top of the table with a routine 4-0 win at Leiria, thanks to goals from Bruno Cesar, Cardozo and a brace from Rodrigo. Nacional, Maritimo, Rio Ave and Guimaraes also notched up victories. Ben Shave rounds up the action.
Benfica 4-0 Leiria Having witnessed their two main rivals cancel each other out on Saturday night, Benfica travelled to Marinha Grande knowing that a win over Manuel Cajuda’s Leiria would put them clear at the top. It was therefore something of a surprise to see both Pablo Aimar and Nico Gaitan absent from the eighteen. No news of injuries to the Argentine duo had leaked out prior to kick off, leaving fans to speculate as to the reasons for their absence. Nolito and Rodrigo lined up in their places. Leiria fielded Benfica loanee Elvis whilst Shaffer was on the bench. Young midfielder Ruben Brigido (who has also been linked with a move to the Luz) continued his comeback from injury amongst the substitutes.Luisao had the first effort on goal, heading wide from a free kick after three minutes, but it was the home side who went closest during the opening stages. Some superb play from Djaniny forced Maxi into a full stretch goal line clearance, the 20 year-old showing exactly why he is expected to move on from Leiria sooner rather than later.  Stung, Benfica upped the tempo and after Rodrigo almost connected with a fine Cardozo cross, duly took the lead with nine minutes gone. Emerson, haring forward down the left wing, delivered a cross which was only half cleared by Leiria, and Bruno Cesar rifled home from the edge of the box, his seventh goal of the campaign. Despite conceding the early goal, the home side continued about their business in positive fashion, with Djaniny and Elvis looking particularly lively. However, as the half went on Benfica began to exert more control over proceedings, and will have been slightly frustrated to have entered the interval only one goal to the good. Cardozo shot inches wide after being teed up by Nolito, but for all their possession and time spent in the Leiria half, the Eagles were not at their most incisive.  The purpose with which Benfica began the second half suggested that Jorge Jesus had communicated that frustration to his team in no uncertain terms. Cardozo almost scored moments after the restart, and three minutes later, the Paraguayan had the ball in the net. A precise pass from Rodrigo sent Cardozo beyond two markers, and the number seven crashed a fierce left footed effort beyond Gottardi, who was left with no chance.That set Benfica up perfectly to control the second half, which they did without too much trouble. A caution for Javi Garcia, which rules the Spaniard out of next Saturday’s meeting with Setubal, provided a lone stain on what turned into a comfortable victory for Jorge Jesus’ men.  With Cardozo having delivered a reminder of his qualities, his putative successor Rodrigo responded with a three-minute brace of his own. The excellent Bruno Cesar was the architect of both goals, slipping the youngster through inside the box for the first; then delivering a sumptuous cross field pass that was seized on by Maxi, who squared for Rodrigo to tap home with Gottardi helpless. The victory leaves Benfica alone at the top of the table, two points clear of Porto, and eight clear of Sporting. Leiria: Gottardi; Ivo Pinto, Marco Soares, Edson, Patrick (Jo 45’); Manuel Curto, Ogu; Marcos Paulo, Elvis (Shaffer 81’), Terroso (Brigido 81’); Djaniny. Benfica: Artur; Maxi Pereira, Luisao, Garay, Emerson; Javi Garcia (Matic 81’), Witsel, Rodrigo (Rodrigo Mora 78’), Bruno Cesar; Cardozo (Saviola 81’). Goals [0-1] Bruno Cesar 9’ [0-2] Cardozo 48’ [0-3] Rodrigo 73’ [0-4] Rodrigo 76’ Gil Vicente 0-3 Nacional Nacional centre back Danielson notched up a contender for the fastest goal of the season in Barcelos, stabbing home a rebound with barely a minute on the clock. Six minutes later things got even better for the away side, as Mario Rondon found the net to give Pedro Caixinha’s men a commanding half time lead. The dismissal of the returning Rodrigo Galo eliminated any possibility of a comeback from Gil, and Skolnik added the third seven minutes from time. Maritimo 2-1 Olhanense After defeating an AC Milan youth side 1-0 in his first match at the helm, Sergio Conceicao was handed a rather tough welcome to life in the Liga, as goals from Salim Benachour and Danilo Dias put his Olhanense side 2-0 down at Maritimo after just eighteen minutes, before Rui Duarte pulled one back on the verge of half time.However, the interval came at precisely the wrong moment for Conceicao’s men, and Maritimo were able to keep them at bay and hold out for their first Liga win since November. Rio Ave 1-0 Pacos de Ferreira Fifteenth hosted sixteenth in Vila do Conde, as both Rio Ave and Pacos de Ferreira attempted to kick start their campaigns for survival. The significance of the occasion was suited perfectly to the veteran wiles of Joao Tomas, and it was the 36 year-old who converted from the spot with half an hour gone to put the home side ahead at the interval. Tomas missed another spot kick with just nine minutes left to play, but the home side hung on for a vital victory that sees Pacos cut adrift at the bottom. Both sides finished the game with ten men, after Tony and then Tarantini received second yellow cards. Guimaraes 1-0 FeirenseA drab encounter at a noticeably under-attended Afonso Henriques closed out the weekend. Feirense were compact and well organised, but Guimaraes did little during the opening half to ease the pressure on President Emile Macedo, who has had to weather protests against his administration in recent days. However, an instinctive finish from Marcelo Toscano from close range was enough to put the home side ahead early on in the second half, and although Guimaraes laboured for the remainder of the game, they held out for the win, and climb up to 7th.Round 14 concludes with Beira-Mar hosting Braga tomorrow night, at 20.15. Ben Shave |
Orlando, I also agree that Aimar does look better with better players around him. With them, he is given more room to operate and his creativity is rewarded.
As for the rankings, it's absolutely great. Although I did read today's Quote of the Day" and it disturbed me.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"One of my first priorities will be to look to increase the Liga ZON Sagres from 16 to 18 clubs."
Mario Figueiredo(Newly elected president of the Portuguese Professional Football League)
What sounds like a good idea, will only water down and diminish the league further. Portugal just doesn't have enough financially stable clubs to warrant more teams.
To me it just looks like a money grab, for TV rights. We could barely average 1,500 people at some stadiums now.
I'm looking forward to discussing this issue in the Liga Talking Points. At least I hope so.
The IFFHS (International Federation of Football History and Statistics) Thursday announced that the ranking refers to the best clubs in the world in 2011 with Benfica to be the best Portuguese team, at #8.
The Eagles moved up from 13th in 2010. FC Porto fell from 5th to 9th.
If you ask me that is amazing for two Portuguese clubs and is a great pat on the back for both PDC & LFV who have bought some tremendous talent over the last few years.
Hats off to them.. they make life easy on Managers..
Here are the rankings:
1. Barcelona, 367.0
2. Real Madrid 312.0
3. Velez Sarsfield, 271.0
4. Man United, 270.0
5. Man City, 239.0
6. Santos, 238.0
7. Universidad Chile, 235.5
8. Benfica, 235.0
9. FC Porto, 231.0
10. Universidad Catolica, 230.0
(...)
35. Braga, 169.5
36. Sporting, 169.0
226. National, 81.5
346. Academic, 65.0
Also I have always said about Emerson he is an incredibly hard worker.. he just isn't great defensively.. although he has had some good games of late.. giving credit where it is due.. I just feel if you are getting an LB it should be to improve the position.. getting a worse player than Emerson to back him up won't work. We need someone better, Emerson is a good team player and would make a great substitute.
Like you Andre I appreciate Cardozo.. and feel he has never been truly appreciated for the amount of goals he has scored.. half of the time not even being a starter. Every Manager that has been here during his stay thought someone else was better and benched him to their demise.
Which is why Benfica should really look to get an addition to the flanks this january window, as we all agree that Gaitan and Cesar are not really wingers (even though Gaitan does quite a good job there). Enzo Perez has turned out to be a total bail-out...so we need some strengthening to the wide areas, as the only true winger we have is Nolito. I like the idea of Salvio returning, he was impressive last season. Perhaps we could get him on loan until the summer and then buy him out-right with the cash we get from Gaitan leaving.
And perhaps another left-back as Capdevila will surely leave this month. But i have to say, while I was one of those who criticised Emerson at the start (perhaps i was too used to seeing Coentrao down our left)...my opinion has changed recently. Emerson makes up for his limitations, with excellent determination, drive and non-stop running. I can see why JJ likes him, he gives everything for the cause. All in all though, we are looking more and more focused as the season progresses, and if we can reach our maximum gear who knows what could be achieved this season?
Aimar needs to be signed if he is to be part of the future.. he has played exceptional this year and this was by far his most consistent year.. maybe that is having better payers around him.. maybe it is all him.
Either way for some good cash or signed for a couple more years in a diminished role i would be happy.
Matt as for they are more disjointed when Aimar is not there the truth is those players never play together in those roles.. so it is harder to compete in the same way as a formation that plays week in and week out. Like a good steak you have to let it marinate for a bit to bring it to perfection.
Also I think it is the time in the year to start playing more offensive formations against the weaker sides to run up some scores and coast instead of always under stress in tight games. They have the artillery to do it.
Like NJ I think Oliveira would work with either Cardozo or Rodrigo.. but like Luisao I don't think we will ever get market value for a man of Cardozo's simple abundant goals.. so why send him on the cheap.. he is perfect to play alongside another effectually over the next few years.. and hopefully gets better than the"Nuno Gomes Treatment" as Nuno was benched when he was still highly usable in a PT role. He is a horse ride him.
Also thanks for the world league rankings NJ like you I share your pride.. great to see the Portuguese Liga so far above Snoria A.. now if we can only get the same in the Club Rankings.. would love to take all of the Italians cushy CL spots...
Looking forward to the rest of the season we have so many great horses.. add an LB and a maybe one other nice piece and we could go pretty far this season.. a few ifs there but definitely manageable.
Gaitan is better suited for the AM role, and played that role as much as winger at Boca.
I for one wouldn't mind selling him for a tidy profit, if teams come calling. He has been showcased by Benfica all along to be our next big money ticket item.
As for Aimar, I am a huge fan. People forget that before his accident this guy was Messi before Messi. Yes lofty praise, but go back and read and see all the pundits and players lauding of Aimar. By the way, he was Messi's idol.
That being said, I know that we will most likely not get much for him, so I am of the belief to keeping him. Especially if Gaintan goes. Aimar needs much more rest now in order to be effective, but I would go as far to calling him our new "Nuno Gomes". Luisao and him have become the stabilizing force in the locker room.
Bruno was also an AM that was forced into a winger position due to Enzo's injury. I really like him to become our starting AM. Although I do agree with Orlando that we need coverage for him in the back. Hence the 4-2-3-1 formation being the best suited for him.
Nolito has played great, there's no denying that.
I feel that he has been sat due to some selfish reasons, but also financial. If Nolito shines too bright, Nico's value diminishes. Fair or not, this is a business and we are a selling league/club. Nico will bring in money, and in waiting so will Nolito.
Frankly, I don't care as long as we keep winning. Let me add that although Nolito wants to play, he realizes and knows the business side. Nico is likely to go sooner than later.
As for the most underappreciated, Cardozo, he just might be sold. Sevilla has always shown interest and needs scoring. There's also plenty of other "big" teams that are fighting/hoping for certain players/strikers. Cardozo could be a nice fall back option for teams. I believe that we paid 11 mil for him, and he's been worth all of it in his 5 years here. He's 28 years old, so anything between 15 mil and 20 mil would be great.
Rodrigo is an excellent player. Fluid, smart and not only a goal poacher but also a good shooter. By the way, I think that he would work well with Oliveira who's a good passer.
Although rankings are meaningless, I am extremely proud to have seen that the Portuguese Liga ZON Sagres has jumped up to 4th best, was 8th, in the IFFHS world rankings.
Melhores campeonatos de 2011:
1. Espanha 1.194,0 pontos
2. Inglaterra 1.103,0
3. Brasil 889,0
4. Portugal 886,0
5. França 883,0
6. Alemanha 880,0
7. Itália 873,0
8. Argentina 840,0
9. Holanda 791,5
10. Chile 741,5
11. Rússia 733,5
12. Paraguai 725,0
13. Belgica 722,5
14. Ucrânia 697,0
15. México 629,0
16. Equador 619,5
17. Colômbia 617,0
18. Rep. Coreia 589,0
19. Suíça 588,5
20. Roménia 588,0
21. Grécia 582,0
I think people get a misconception of me.. i like Gaitan he is extremely serviceable.. but his best position is at the 10 as an attacking mid.. as a winger he is not as good.. although I concede he is effective there as long as you have the right squad around him usually meaning an extra DM to cover for him in defence.
He would be most effectual in a 4-4-2 as the AM that is my belief... and I do hope he gets sold.. now rather than later. Reason being is that they could buy a great LB.. that could really make this season really special.
Cesar I also think is a an AM not that great of a winger.. but would require even more D help because he is even more offensive than Gaitan in the middle and isn't the greatest of passers. He is a goal scoring AM.
Also Javi who I think is a good player has got a lot of flack from myself.. because he needs the right type of players around him to be magical.
I like Javi even though I rag him..
I think certain players have natural talents and it is a shame to see them wasted without the right crew around them or in the right formation.
This Benfica has huge depth of talent and 4-0 results should happen regularly.. we have so much talent. These missing parts I hope will be transferred for profit.. not because they aren't good players.. just that we have better on the squad already..
So Gaitan who I think is good.. going for high money.. and Aimar who is about to go on a free.. nets us some money that is a huge bonus.. although Aimar has had his best season at SLB this year.. which magically coincides with his contract year.
Again I like Aimar I think he has not had the aces in their places around him.. if great people play around him like with DiMaria, Coentrao, and Co. Era... or this years squad.. he rises to the level of the people around him.
But at this point a few bucks in return is probably the best option.
So I thank both for their service but good offers should be accepted, even in January...
As most have seen Nolito is better than Gaitan... Cesar is great and we even have quality Portuguese talent to back the move in the AM mode.
With the money in hand we could buy a few difference makers that could take us to the semis of the CL.. and win the Liga easily.
We have some great pieces.. it is time to put them all together..
As you saw Aimar & Gaitan who I like.. but have campaigned against their selection in their roles only.. can be replaced easily.
Also the 4-4-2 offensive formation as I| had called for really paid off in the last game.. I still think we could do better.. there are other options.. that could be inserted to make that deadly 4-4-2 even better.
Yesterday again with 7 new players we played one of our best game of the year. Good on JJ and LFV for the job theyve done bringing in and working with the new players. Long way to go...but better than last year!
The quote I read from him recently is the first sign that he will go: "It's an honour to be chased by big clubs"...(as if Benfica isn't a big club!!). The big club he's talking about were knocked out of the CL by us!!! It's that deja-vu feeling again, players get a chance to double their wages and so move one from us. Luisao has been the one loyal exception to the rule, and as a result will go down as a true Benfica legend. But Gaitan must go ahead and leave if he really wants to...it's been the same with all the players we have sold recently...the fact is we are stronger now than we were when Di Maria, Luiz etc etc where with us.
So the club is doing an excellent job. We are making good money to pay off the debts, yet getting stronger on the pitch. Gaitan is a very good player, but if he wants to go, then 30 million euros is better for us than a single player. The performance yesterday proves that we can do well without him, and I would welcome Salvio back as a much cheaper replacement for him. The force of this great club is much stronger than any individual players....Forca glorioso!!!
With regards to Gatian and Aimar, I am not too worried about them leaving Benfica. We have plenty of talented attacking midfielders and wingers so I'm not too worried about losing them. We have David Simao waiting for a chance and we are also looking to buy Uniao Leiria's very talented Ruben Brigido.
With the first half of the season coming close to an end, I’m very happy about our results. Topped our CL group and topping the league. It’s easy to forget that we had around half of our starting 11 changed up. Now that these guys have played together for a few month, you can see the chemistry really building up. I think the team will only look stronger going into the second half of the season.
JJ could be the first Benfica coach in a long time to get two league titles for our club. Here’s hoping he does it in style.
Mora getting in a few minutes, makes me wonder if he's being showcased for a loan?
Rodrigo now has 5 league goals and 9 in all competitions.
Cardozo is now tied with Ba with 9 for the league lead and has 14 in all competitions.
My prediction of Rodrigo being Benficas leading scorer isn't so crazy anymore.
I'm disappointed in Gil Vicente. I know they haven't scored much either, but giving up 3 at home to an equally impotent Nacional is not good.
I know that it's early but wow, Academica (6th) is closer to relegation than Maritimo (5th). The battle to stay afloat just might involve half the table.
In truth, every single new player in our squad this season who play regularly, have been excellent: Nolito, Rodrigo, Cesar, Artur, Garay and Witsel...even Emerson has been looking good lately. Let me take this opportunity though to make some comments about this Enzo Perez fiasco. What dissapointing behaviour he has been showing. I for one was excited about his arrival having seen videos of his displays in Argentina. He was unfortunate to get injured so soon, but talk about being an absolute quitter of note. Very bad message he's sending out about his lack of determination and commitment to the cause...what other European clubs in the future will take a risk on this player, who packs everything up and quits at the first signs of a problem. A waste, because he is clearly talented. Oh well good thing everyone else at SLB are doing so well...may it continue!!!!