League Play-Off

Estádio da Luz
Spectators: 32 (Terracing: 25, Seating: 7, VIP seats: 0) S.L.Benfica's Viriato Marques started the match with a crisp pass. The crowd had been anticipating this game for weeks and the excitement in the stadium was easily visible. 8 minutes into the match, S.L.Benfica's goal looked a bit too open when Pedro Almeida came free, but Emanuel Neves reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Afonso Valente in the 11th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Emanuel Neves prevented the ball from getting in the gole. 16 minutes into the match, Afonso Valente notched a goal, 0-1, to the right of S.L.Benfica's Emanuel Neves. Emanuel Neves was clearly disgusted with the effort of the defense and let the defenders know about it. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Simão Oliveira in the 22nd minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Emanuel Neves prevented the ball from getting in the gole. In the 23rd match minute, S.L.Benfica was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Cristiano Resende to maneuver through the defense. After 28 minutes of play, SC Susao's Afonso Valente made it 0-2 when he simply outclassed the defender marking him and hit a curling shot into the right side of the net. Emanuel Neves was left in no man's land by his defense there! Emanuel Neves took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Simão Oliveira, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. After the first half SC Susao were leading 0-3. They had played with great self confidence throughout the first half and fully deserved their lead.

The wind increased when Simão Oliveira made the kick off in the second half. Afonso Leite made in the 61st minute of the game a quick throw-in and Eusebiu Negrescu immediately put the ball in play. Simão Oliveira sent away a hard shot on goal in the 68th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. 80 minutes into the match, S.L.Benfica's goalkeeper Emanuel Neves had to clear away a ball on his right side after a cunning shot by Afonso Valente. Viriato Marques's late challenge caught a SC Susao's player on the shin and left him crawling around in pain. The referee blew his whistle and produced the yellow card. Viriato Marques helped the player get up and apologised. After a rather tough play, SC Susao's Simão Oliveira got a free kick in the 87th minute. Afonso Valente received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 93rd minute. Emanuel Neves tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. SC Susao's players went to the stands to thank the travelling support. The fan's backing had helped spurr the team on to a fine performance that won them the match.