Ivanović helps Benfica bulldoze Moreirense with 4-1 victory at the Luz, Eagles extend lead over Sporting to 4 points | OneFootball

SL Benfica 4-1 Moreirense 

SL Benfica put on a professional display at the Estádio da Luz with a brace from Franjo Ivanović guiding the Lisbon club to a comfortable 4-1 victory over Moreirense F.C. on Saturday evening. The verdes e brancos had their moments, and if they could have been a bit more clinical on the evening, may have been able to steal something from this affair. In the end, José Mourinho’s men were too strong, overpowering Moreirense with an efficient, businesslike display that saw them score four goals on the night.

Benfica solidify second-place position, hold four-point lead over Sporting

Despite their thrilling last-minute victory over Sporting in the previous round of matches, Benfica remained seven points adrift of league leaders FC Porto going into this contest. While mathematically, the Eagles remain in the hunt for their 39th Primeira Liga, it would take a bold man to bet against Porto conquering the championship this season. The Dragons, who added some stellar signings over the summer, have been effective from the opening round, and Mourinho’s appointment, while effective, may have come too late for a Benfica team that has dropped points at critical stages.

Still, there was plenty to play for in this tie, with the second-place side coming out of Portugal earning a spot in the Champions League. Benfica had the chance to gain a healthy four-point lead over city rivals Sporting, and didn’t waste the opportunity. Their win on Saturday puts all the pressure on the Lions, who will look to climb back towards the top beginning with their game against AVS on Sunday.

Leandro Barreiro gets Benfica off to quick start

It didn’t take long for Benfica to get going, just two minutes in fact. Following a driving run from António Silva into the box, the defender was able to cut the ball back into the box. His pass dropped to Leandro Barreiro, who kept his composure to tap home from close range.

The chants of “Força Benfica,” which had rung around the stadium leading up to the match, grew even louder, and the crowd seemed confident this was three points Benfica would not let slip.

Moreirense level in the 26th minute

But Moreirense responded a few minutes later. A well-worked corner ended with Kiko Bondoso rocketing a shot that was pushed away. The resulting corner led to a golden opportunity for defender Gilberto Batista, whose header from inside the 6-yard box was somehow brushed aside by Trubin. The keeper was forced into action again seconds later when Alan shot on goal before the danger was finally cleared.

In the 17th minute, it was Dodi Lukebakio, who produced a brilliant piece of skill, gliding through two defenders down the right wing before curling his effort just wide. A reminder as to why Mourinho rates the 28-year-old Belgian winger so highly.

Moreirense were rewarded for their persistence in the 26th minute. The goal came in a highly unusual fashion, with keeper André Ferreira recording the assist. The stopper recovered the ball in his box and was quick to spot the opportunity to counter. With Diogo Travassos high up the pitch, Ferreira launched a lopping ball into the Benfica half. Samuel Dahl seemed to be in line with the Moreirense player as they tracked down the long ball, but when the Swedish defender stumbled to the ground, Travassos was left staring down Trubin. The Sporting loanee composed himself and coolly placed the ball into the bottom left side of the goal. A smart finish to level the match.

Ríos takes advantage of poor defending

Minutes later, it was an error on the other end of the pitch that saw Richard Ríos take advantage. After some sloppy defending, the Colombian gathered the ball at the edge of the penalty box and powered home with his right foot to record his sixth goal of the campaign. It was a shot Ferreira will be kicking himself for letting through. Although hit with power, the shot was straight at him and one he would have expected to save.

Just before the half, there was a late shout for a penalty when Otamendi was barged to the ground, but the referee deemed there was not enough contact to warrant a spot kick.

Mourinho turns to substitutes

Benfica returned to the pitch knowing they needed to be better if they hoped to take maximum points for this fixture. Moreirense had shown poise, resilience, and tremendous effort to keep this game within touching distance. The visitors brought on former Tottenham academy prospect, Nile John, tasking the 23-year-old midfielder with a defensive role just in front of the back four.

In the 58th minute, a triple substitution from Mourinho as he looked to jumpstart his side following a lacklustre start to the second half. Amar Dedić, Andreas Schjelderup and Gianluca Prestianni were all brought on.

There were few chances for either team over the next 15 minutes. Moreirense did well to frustrate the home side, and despite some vocal encouragement from the supporters that made it out, Benfica were unable to unlock their opponents. Perhaps the best chance during that period fell to Dedić in the 74th minute. The full-back’s header looped over the keeper but bounced off the crossbar for a goal kick.

Pavlidis, Benfica’s leading goalscorer who has recorded 29 goals in all competitions this season, was almost non-existent in this one. The striker was left to rue another disappointing outing. In the 75th minute, Mourinho seemed to lose patience with the Greek striker, opting to bring on Franjo Ivanović in his place.

Ivanović adds finishing touches to secure 3 points

Ivanović repaid the boss in the perfect way, with a late goal to ensure all three points. With Moreirense pushing up the pitch, there were plenty of gaps in the back. When Maracás gave the ball away in the middle of the park, Benfica rushed the ball forward with Ivanović finding himself one-on-one with Maracás. The forward shifted his weight to move the ball onto his right foot and hammered home a perfectly placed shot across the goal into the bottom right corner.

A moment later, he had his second of the night. The buildup came from Prestianni and Dedić down the right side, with the latter providing a low cross. Ivanović was once again at the right place at the right time, tapping home from inside the 6-yard box to make it four. A final exclamation point from the Eagles, and a goal that confirmed a healthy four-point cushion in the table over their rivals Sporting.

Mourinho’s Benfica remain undefeated in the league

Benfica’s invincible dream remains alive and well. They have now won 22 and drawn 9 of their 31 matches so far. The Lisbon club may be stuck in second in the table, but finishing the entire season without losing a game would be a noteworthy achievement, and one that would surely make headlines across Europe.

Mourinho’s future remains in doubt with the legendary manager rumoured to be linked with Real Madrid, Newcastle, and even the Portuguese national team job. If there is any hope of the legendary manager returning to Benfica, a spot in the CL may be a fine incentive to convince the 62-year-old to stick around for another go at it.

Benfica 4-1 Moreirense highlights

Benfica: Anatoliy Trubin, Alexander Bah (Amar Dedić, 58’), António Silva, Nicolás Otamendi, Samuel Dahl, Richard Ríos (Manu Silva, 90’), Leandro Barreiro, Fredrik Aursnes, Dodi Lukebakio (Gianluca Prestianni, 58’), Rafa Silva (Andreas Schjelderup, 58’), Vangelis Pavlidis (Franjo Ivanović, 75’)

Goals:

[1-0] Leandro Barreiro, 2’

[1-1] Diogo Travassos, 26’

[3-1] Franjo Ivanovic, 89’