Benfica win 3-1 in Estoril but Eagles’ undefeated season ends in Europa League spot | OneFootball

Benfica cruised to a 3-1 victory in Estoril to earn the unenviable record of going undefeated in Liga Portugal and finishing third.

It was an electric start at Estádio António Coimbra da Mota with chances at both ends. The Eagles went ahead in the 7th minute when Andreas Schjelderup’s deflected cross was converted by Richard Ríos.

Gianluca Prestianni was denied by a sharp save from Joel Robles but the advantage was extended in the 15th minute. Ríos’ corner was headed to the back post by Tomás Araújo, Estoril’s defence caught asleep once again with Alexander Bah taking advantage.

The contest was all but ended a minute later. Bah and Prestianni combined to find Rafa Silva who stepped past an invisible challenge from João Carvalho and beat Robles.

Rios tested the goalkeeper before the break and Rafa's header turned away by Robles 15 seconds after the restart.

Pizzi, who recently announced this would be his final match, received a guard of honour when he was replaced by Rafik Guitane.

Gonçalo Costa and Yanis Begraoui went close as Benfica threatened to extend their lead. Dodi Lukébakio’s shot was deflected wide by Felix Bacher, Araújo headed wide and Ríos’ effort was cleared off the line by Kévin Boma.

Peixinho netted a consolation in added time but it was too little too late from Ian Cathro’s side, the Canaries finishing 10th in Liga Portugal despite having the 5th best attack.

Farewell Pizzi

There was a touching tribute for Pizzi after the match with family, friends and former players leaving messages on the big screen. The boy from Bragança won four Liga titles with Benfica and was top scorer in 2019/20 with 18 goals.

He way a joy to watch for the Eagles, consistently their best player and instrumental in helping Benfica win 11 titles in six seasons.

He was also in the Atlético de Madrid team that won the 2011/12 Europa League and represented Portugal on 17 occasions.

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Estoril as Expected

Estoril have been excitement machines this season, Liga Portugal games involving the Canaries averaging 3.77 goals, narrowly behind Sporting CP.

Ian Cathro’s side have had few problems scoring goals but their defence continually gets carved up, conceding 57 goals in 34 games.

It remains to be seen how much patience the heirarchy have with the Scottish manager and how much money they are willing spend in the transfer window. Yanis Begraoui will surely bring in some cash after bagging 20 goals in the Liga, third behind Luis Suarez and Vangelis Pavlidis.

Benfica look ahead

Benfica will have work to do in the transfer window, replacing Nicolás Otamendi the main priority. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Georgiy Sudakov and Franjo Ivanović who haven’t justified their hefty transfer fees.

Most of the narratives will surround José Mourinho who has been strongly linked with a return to Real Madrid. He was a chance to replace Roberto Martinez as Portugal boss after the World Cup, but turning down Los Blancos is something very few can do.

After the match he said: "The only thing I have in hand is the offer from Benfica, which I haven't seen, but Jorge Mendes says it's a very good offer. But it's also true that I haven't spoken to anyone from Real Madrid.

"But nobody's stupid, and obviously, between Real and Jorge, I think there have been contacts that could turn into contacts with me during the next week. Then I should decide my future.""