Benfica academy product distraught after Estoril-Porto: So frustrating | OneFootball

On the same day that Benfica hosted and beat Nacional, Estoril were defeated at home by Porto, seeing the Dragons pull even further clear at the top of the league. At the end of the match, João Carvalho, a player developed at Benfica and one of Estoril’s stars, did not hide his frustration with Ian Cathro’s side’s current situation.

Analysis: "We were not able to match their intensity. When that happens, it becomes easier for the other side. We started poorly, reacted a little after the first goal, with one or two half-chances. Porto made it 2-0 from a set piece and 3-0 from another set piece, so in a poor game from us, it was decided in the details. We still have objectives to achieve and that is what we will focus on".

What was the team lacking? "We knew the dynamic they apply, because they have done it from the start, and it is difficult to counter. Many teams try and cannot manage it. Today, intensity made the difference, as did second balls and duels. In the second half, we came back better, but perhaps Porto also allowed us to play more because of the scoreline. We leave proud of what we did in the second half and we cannot repeat the first".

Season assessment: "The number of points we have at the moment is frustrating. We could have more, but because of a few slip-ups and because we were unable to take the step up to fight for other objectives at the right moments. Let it serve as a lesson for this club in the years ahead".

It should be remembered that, after 29 rounds of the Liga Portugal Betclic, the final standings are increasingly taking shape. As for the big three, Benfica remain in third place with 69 points, behind Sporting, who have 71 points, although the Lions still have a game in hand against Tondela. At the top are Porto, who have 76 points.

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