Benfica cruise past AVS SAD, Rafa nets cheeky backheel (Videos) | OneFootball

Benfica defeated AVS SAD 3-0 this Saturday, February 21, in a match for the 23rd round of Liga Portugal Betclic. After the defeat against Real Madrid, the team from Luz returned to winning ways and remains firm in the fight for the title.

In a match played at Estádio da Luz, it was a one-sided affair. The visitors from Aves showed no arguments to counter the offensive power of the Reds. The scoreboard was opened in the 11th minute. After a shot by Vangelis Pavlidis was saved by Adriel, Alexander Bah appeared inside the box and scored the first goal. The 2-0 came in the 30th minute. After a corner kick and a clearance by Adriel, Richard Ríos headed the ball and Enzo Barrenechea controlled it with his right foot, but finished with his left for another burst of joy. The third goal came in the 43rd minute. After a cross from Sidny Cabral, the ball fell to Rafa Silva, who had time and space to score with a backheel.

In the second half, the Reds slowed down the pace and controlled the advantage brought from the first half. Even so, they still created some chances to extend the score, but the result remained unchanged until the final whistle.

With this victory – the 27th in 43 matches this season – the team led by José Mourinho now has 55 points and remains in third place in the Liga Portugal Betclic standings. Porto (59) is in first place (with one game less). Sporting is second with 58.

The Reds will return to the field next Wednesday, February 25, against Real Madrid. The match, counting for the second leg of the playoff for access to the Champions League round of 16, against the team led by Álvaro Arbeloa, will be played at 8:00 p.m. at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Enzo Barrenechea (2-0):

Rafa Silva (3-0):

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.