Ivanovic crushes Moreirense and makes Benfica history | OneFootball

After a few weeks out of the spotlight, Franjo Ivanovic is once again making headlines at Benfica. Usually used as a substitute by José Mourinho, the number 9 was decisive against Moreirense, scoring twice to secure the Reds’ victory and, at the same time, achieve a first for himself.

According to O Jogo, Ivanovic netted his first brace for Benfica, and did so in a match where the Croatian forward needed just three minutes to find the net against Moreirense on two separate occasions. The feat underlines the strong run of form the player has been enjoying.

On the other hand, the performance delivered by the 22-year-old striker against Vasco Botelho da Costa’s side has once again reignited the debate over Vangelis Pavlidis’ place in the starting XI, after he went scoreless for another game. José Mourinho was not indifferent to the Croatian’s display and highlighted his development.

It is also important to point out the impact the number 9 has had when coming off the bench. According to the figures presented, the Benfica forward has already scored four goals in the 16 matches in which he came on as a substitute, making him the most prolific player with that status in the Liga Portugal Betclic.

This season for Benfica, Franjo Ivanovic - valued at €18 million - has already made 40 official appearances: 23 in the Liga Portugal Betclic, 11 in the Champions League, four in the Portuguese Cup and two in the League Cup. In the 1,291 minutes he has been on the pitch, the Croatian has scored eight goals and provided two assists.

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