Both teams having risen from Second Division status last year, all present were prepared to see a closely matched contest.  Benfica were dressed in Red jerseys and the Eagles in white.  In the early going, both sides exhibited good on-field cooperation and communication between players.

 

 

The ball moved quickly though the mid-field area and each team created offensive action in their respective zones.  Benfica spent somewhat more time on offense, however a number of their efforts where whistled down due to the offside rule.

 

 

The Eagles did not experience the same difficulty, however they were unable to place many good shots on net.  Both teams also demonstrated good ball control and dribbling and passing abilities, and the resulting play was generally quite gentlemanly and only got chippy later in the half.

 

 

Benfica began to exert some periods of sustained pressure after about the 15 minute mark however the Eagles were able to nullify and clear many of their attempted plays at the line.  The pace of play quickened as the half wore on, yet there were few accurate shots on net by either team and the first 45 minutes ended scoreless.

 

 

As the second half began it soon became apparent that the Eagles were falling into a more defensive stance, and Benfica one more offensive.  The pace of play was set by the team in red as they demonstrated greater speed and indeed persistence in moving the ball up field and attempting to score.

 

 

At the 50 minute mark they scored first with a well placed shot along the ground, beating the Eagle's keeper who up to this point had not been seriously tested.  Two minutes later Benfica scored again, penetrating the defensive zone and scoring with a nicely placed high shot over the keeper's head and into the

net - it was now 2-nil.

 

 

The Eagles did respond with some sporadic pressure however Benfica only appeared to strengthen and solidify as a team.  Regardless the Eagles did have some opportunity to respond.  They earned a corner and two free kicks along Benfica's 18 yd. box (at about 65 minutes), yet failed to convert as Benfica's keeper remained vociferous and successful in organizing the efforts of his defensive corps.

 

 

Red came right back with a few shots of their own, and then scored again at 73 minutes on a play that again demonstrated an advantage in speed.  With one minute of play the Eagles finally connected on a fairly hard and accurate shot into the right side of the net - taken from the left side of the box at about 17 yards out - ruining the shutout for the home squad and generally closing the game up at 3-1.