Decisive figure clinches derby late for Benfica | OneFootball

Rafa Silva settled the derby in the third minute of second half stoppage time with a low left-footed finish, giving Benfica a 2-1 win at Sporting CP.

Introduced late, Rafa immediately gave the Águias an outlet between the lines, knitted counters together and helped slow the home side's momentum by winning a defensive free kick.

Then the opening arrived. He darted off the shoulder to meet Leandro Martins' pass and guided a calm first-time finish into the far corner, a clinical contribution at the decisive moment.

He finished with one attempt, one on target, two possession wins and a tackle, plus two touches in the box. The second was the match-winner. The numbers underlined how his sharp movements turned pressure into the game's key chance.

Because the Encarnados kept fresh legs high in the half spaces, his bursts behind a tiring back line repeatedly unsettled the Leões and tilted the final phases in Benfica's favour.

The Encarnados rise from third to second in Liga Portugal and host Moreirense next. The Leões drop from second to third and visit Porto in the Taça de Portugal next.

How high would you rate Rafa's performance tonight?