Benfica signing’s role a talking point after Arouca win | OneFootball

Benfica had to dig deep to win 2-1 at Arouca, yet the spotlight again fell on the use of January arrival Sidny Cabral.

Record reports the 23-year-old Cape Verdean left-back, shirt number 15 and signed from Estrela da Amadora, was left out of the matchday list. He was not even an option for João Tralhão and watched the victory from the stands.

His last appearance came on 25 February, a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League play-off. He drew criticism afterwards for asking Vinicius Jr for his shirt, a gesture that annoyed supporters.

In the recent Clássico against Porto, which finished 2-2, Cabral made the squad but remained unused.

The result keeps Benfica in the title race. Goals from Richard Ríos and Franjo Ivanovic leave them third on 62 points, level with Sporting, who have one game in hand, and seven behind Porto on 69.

Source: Glorioso 1904