Marco Silva equals Schmidt with unwanted Benfica start | OneFootball

Marco Silva’s Liga Portugal bow ended in a 2-2 home draw with newly promoted Académico de Viseu. It checked the momentum of Europa League wins over St. Gallen, 5-0, and Hearts, 6-1.

According to Glorioso 1904, Silva is only the second Benfica head coach in the last 10 years to fail to win his league debut, the other being Roger Schmidt, who did so in consecutive seasons.

Schmidt, champion in 2022/23, began 2023/24 with a 3-2 defeat at Boavista. The following season opened with a 2-0 loss at Famalicão.

Across the last four seasons, Benfica have started with a win only once. Last term, under Bruno Lage, they beat Estrela da Amadora 1-0 at Reboleira.

It was Benfica’s first home draw on matchday one since 2012/13. That season, Jorge Jesus also began with a draw against SC Braga. His other opening-day home slips were 2-2 with Académica in 2010/11 and 1-1 with Marítimo in 2009/10.

Source: Glorioso 1904

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