Benfica and Gil Vicente gave the supporters at the Estádio da Luz a thrilling contest on Friday in a highly entertaining match. The two clubs provided some fast-paced and flowing football with plenty of opportunities for both sides on the night. Both teams went after the three points, and the creative players on both ends of the pitch were given the space and freedom to express themselves.
This clash had been discussed all week, with many expecting it to be a tough challenge for Mourinho and his men. Going into Jornada 7, this was a battle between the third and fourth-placed teams in the Primeira Liga, with plenty on the line. Benfica were aiming to keep the pressure on FC Porto and Sporting CP, while Gil Vicente were looking to prove themselves against one of the biggest clubs in Europe after a strong start to their campaign.
Gil Vicente were outstanding on the night, taking an early lead in the 11th minute. Benfica fought back through their star striker Vangelis Pavlidis, who was once again outstanding on the night. In the end, the Eagles were able to hang on for a vital 2-1 victory and take all three points.
Mourinho takes the pitch with new-look attack
Mourinho began the game with a reconstructed lineup after a disappointing 1-1 draw on Tuesday against Rio Ave. The veteran manager spoke about Lukebakio’s fitness levels midweek, but opted to start the newly signed attacker after his impact off the bench against Rio Ave. Winger Schjelderup was also given the nod, with Mourinho possibly looking to give his side some more width to unlock a well organised Gil Vicente defense.
Gil Vicente manager César Peixoto started the match with his preferred back four of Jonathan Buatu Marvin Elimbi, Ghislain Konan, Zé Carlos, and, why not? The Barcelos club have conceded just twice so far this season and have five clean sheets over their first six matches. Only FC Porto have allowed fewer goals this season.
Pablo has been the danger man for Gil Vicente, and Peixoto looked to the forward to once again provide the goals. Murilo Souza and Agustín Moreira were sent out to support the striker on the wings. Midfielders Luís Esteves, Cáseres and Santi García were tasked with matching Benfica’s talented midfielders.
Gil Vicente apply early pressure
The visiting side wasted no time in getting going, almost breaking the deadlock within 30 seconds. A beautiful pass from Pablo carved open the Benfica backline and found Murillo, who was somehow completely alone just outside the six-yard box. The striker connected well, but a brilliant save from Trubin (arguably his best of the season) prevented a nightmare start for the home side.
In the ninth minute, it was once again Gil Vicente that threatened. Moreira earned a free kick just outside the penalty box from a counterattack. Esteves, who has been brilliant over the last few months, curled a right-footed shot around the wall and into the right-hand side of the net. It was a shocking start that silenced the home supporters. Trubin did well to get a hand to it, but the powerful connection from the No. 10 left the keeper without much of a chance.
Benfica responded moments later, with Schjelderup winning a free kick in shooting range. Sudakov’s shot, however, sailed over the goal and allowed the visitors to regroup
At the quarter-hour mark, Gil Vicente seemed to be in complete control, holding on to the majority of possession and keeping the ball out of their own half for the most part.
Lukebakio tried his best to create something down the right wing, but his early crosses were handled easily.
Pavlidis fires in sixth and seventh goals of the season
In the 18th minute, it was Pavlidis to the rescue once again. The striker has been Benfica’s top scorer this season, and recorded his sixth goal of the campaign when a cross from Schjelderup found its way into the box. A low shot from Pavlidis went right through the keeper. It wasn’t the typically well-worked goal we have become accustomed to from Benfica, but one that definitely settled the crowd down after a shaky start.
In the 24th minute, Lukebakio reminded the supporters why Mourinho had put his faith in him. A beautifully timed run in the box saw the Belgian connect with a remarkable long ball from Otamendi. His masterful touch allowed him to turn and get away from the two centre-backs, and when he was pulled down in the box, the referee had no option but to award a penalty. Pavlidis once again stepped up and placed the ball into the top right corner.
The game remained open after the goal, with neither side backing down. There were gaps for both sides to exploit all over the pitch. Pablo had another chance in the 23rd minute, but his long-range effort failed to test Trubin.
Lukébakio makes his presence felt
Lukébakio continued to look dangerous down the right wing, his left-footed effort drifting just wide in the 30th minute. In the 34th, he had a similar attempt, again going across the goal, and again just missing the right post. The former Sevilla player had another glorious opportunity to give Benfica some breathing room in stoppage time. A driving run down the right side saw the attacker alone with the keeper, but facing a tough angle. He once again tried to target the far side of the goal, this time with his right foot, but his low shot missed once again.
Benfica went into the half with the lead, but there was still an uneasy feeling amongst the Benfiquistas as the two teams headed into the dressing rooms.
Gil Vicente fail to capitalise on second-half chances
It was once again Gil Vicente that started the second half on the front foot. Within the first minute, they forced a double save out of Trubin. The resulting corner produced another great opportunity to level the match. This time, it was García's creative attempt that came off the crossbar.
Moments later, Gil Vicente did finally have the ball in the back of the net. Some brilliant build-up play down the left wing from Konan led to a cross from Fernandes, which found Pablo. The striker taped the ball in, but learned seconds later that it had been called back for offside. It was, however, a clear signal to the Eagles that the visitors were intent on approaching the second half as they did the first.
In the 54th minute, it was Murillo’s turn to try his luck. The Brazilian rocketed a left-footed attempt from distance. It looked to be going in, but bounced off the crossbar, leaving the forward with his hand on his head in disgust.
Conceding late goals is becoming a bit of a trend for Benfica, and it’s an issue that could’ve once again hurt the Eagles on this occasion. Gil Vicente were knocking on the door. They continued to play some dazzling football with the crowd growing restless as the game progressed.
In the 68th minute, Pablo connected with a cross from Fernandes but couldn’t get enough of the ball to angle it towards goal.
Benfica hang on for three points
The reinforcements finally came in the 69th minute. Mourinho could see his side were struggling, and decided to bring on Franjo Ivanovic and Leandro Barreiro for Lukebakio and Schjelderup.
The manager did well to fortify his side as the match went on. Gil Vicente continued to press, but were unable to break through Benfica’s stubborn back four. The pressure piled up, and a late red card for Hevertton summed up a frustrating night for the visitors. Gil Vicente produced a valiant display and can consider themselves unfortunate not to have taken anything from this game.
The fanfare surrounding Mourinho’s return to Portugal has finally started to die down, and the focus for Benfica over the next few weeks should be purely on football instead of off-field drama. The Lisbon giants have had an underwhelming start to the campaign for their high standards, and the fixture list doesn’t get any easier over the coming weeks. Benfica face Chelsea, FC Porto, Chaves and Newcastle United over the coming month.
(Photos: Arlindo Homem ©)
Benfica 2-1 Gil Vicente highlights
Lineups
Benfica: Anatoliy Trubin, Amar Dedic, António Silva, Nicolás Otamendi, Samuel Dahl (João Rego 80'), Fredrik Aursnes, Richard Ríos, Dodi Lukébakio (Franjo Ivanovic, 69'), Georgiy Sudakov (Tomás Araújo 80'), Andreas Schjelderup (Leandro Barreiro 69'), Vangelis Pavlidis (João Veloso, 90')
Gil Vicente: Andrew Ventura, Zé Carlos (Hevertton Santos, 86), Jonathan Buatu, Marvin Elimbi, Ghislain Konan, Facundo Cáseres (Sergio Bermejo 79') , Santi García (Zé Ferreira 72'), Murilo Souza, Luís Esteves, Agustín Moreira (Joelson Fernandes 46'), Pablo Felipe
Goals:
[0-1] Luís Esteves 11’
[1-1] Vangelis Pavlidis, 18’
[2-1] Vangelis Pavlidis (pen), 26’
