A Red Celebration: Benfica win Portugal’s Carlsberg Cup

By Dominic Vieira

Benfica sink 3 goals past a weak FC Porto and retain the Carlsberg Cup

Benfica 3 – 0 FC Porto, Estádio Algarve, Carlsberg Cup Final, Sunday 21st March
1-0 Rúben Amorim (9’); 2-0 Carlos Martins (44’); 3-0 Cardozo (90+1’)

Benfica (4-5-1): Quim; Maxi Pereira, Luisão ©, David Luiz, Fábio Coentrão; Airton, Rúben Amorim, Carlos Martins (Ramires 66’), Aimar (Saviola 61’), Di Maria; Kardec (Cardozo, 76’)

Subs: Moreira, Sidnei, Javi Garcia, Ramires, Saviola, Nuno Gomes, Cardozo

Manager: Jorge Jesus

FC Porto (4-4-3): Nuno; Miguel Lopes (Fucile 45’), Rolando, Bruno Alves ©, Álvaro Pereira; Rúben Micael (Valeri 45’), Fernando, Raul Meireles; Belluschi (Orlando Sá 69’), Falcao, Rodriguez

Subs: Beto, Fucile, Maicon, Tomás Costa, Guarin, Valeri, Orlando Sá

Manager: Jesualdo Ferreira

The League Cup (or the Carlsberg Cup) is a fairly new competition in Portugal. This was the third final played, cup holders Benfica made their 2^nd consecutive final appearance while FC Porto’s made their debut. The prestige of winning this trophy is not as high as winning the League; it also does not share the history and honour of winning the Portuguese Cup. However, a final is a final and at the end of the day, ever player will want a winner’s medal around their neck.

This year Benfica took on arch rivals FC Porto in an intensive and highly aggressive battle, this encounter is known as “O Clássico”. The rivalry is huge between the two teams and the fans created a unique and exhilarating atmosphere. Unfortunately, several incidents of violence took place before the match and scarred this year’s final.

Path to the Final

Benfica entered in the third round of the Carlsberg and finished in 1st place in Group C, winning 7 points in three games. They beat Rio Ave 2-1, Nacional 1-0 and tied 1-1 Guimaraes. In the semi-finals there was the Lisbon Derby between Benfica and Sporting, they humiliated Sporting on their soil 4-1.

FC Porto also joined the competition in the third round and came 1st in Group A with 7 points. They defeated Estoril 2-0, Leixoes 1-0 and drew Academica in a goalless draw. FC Porto had a rematch with Academica in the semi-finals; they managed to craft a 1-0 victory.

The Final

Neither team were favourites, neither were the underdogs, both had a 50-50 chance. The score-line certainly does not represent the final, both teams created chances; Benfica simply scored theirs and Porto didn’t. However, Benfica were clearly the stronger side and deserved the win. Their desire and motivation to win was far greater than FC Porto’s and they defended intelligently.  Benfica entered this game with their victory over Marseille on Thursday fresh on their minds; Jorge Jesus was forced to make several changes though; but the players who stepped in gave it their all and played very well. Porto was coming to this match with a poor form and hit by the unavailability of Hulk, Varela and Mariano. Overall, Benfica played confidently and calmly, their fitness did not affect them too badly and they dominated the game. Porto looked rusty and made several basic mistakes, those mistakes allowed Benfica to punish them.

Porto started the game strong and threatened Quim’s goal twice, but on the 9th minute, a weak shot by Rúben Amorim ended up in the back of the net. The shot was taken outside the box but was extremely lucky to go in, Nuno’s inability to stop an easy spinning ball allowed Benfica to score. On the 45th minute, Carlos Martins smashed a free kick from 32metres, the ball was unstoppable. At half time it seemed as if it was game over for Porto.

The second half had a much slower tempo; Benfica controlled the game and slowed it down as their fitness levels were getting reducing.  Fewer chances were created, but on the 92nd minute Oscar Cardozo wrapped the game with an easy finish.

Man of the Match

It is a hard one to chose, it would either be Airton or Rúben  Micael. Despite Rúben Amorim scoring the first goal and creating the third one, Airton was outstanding, Airton, a recent signing by Benfica is not a first team regular (Javi Garcia was rested on the day), and he played an intelligent match and read the game brilliantly. He was always at the right place at the right time, making several strong clearances as well as many accurate passes. He was a rock in the middle and had an imposing presence. Certainly Benfica’s future holding midfielder and a player to look out for in the future.

Benfica Will Continue Marching

The cup victory will steer Benfica in the right direction and boost their confidence. Benfica will keep their celebrations minimum as there are two major trophies that can still be won. Their top priority is winning the league and Jorge Jesus reiterated this in the post match interview. It was the first time he won a trophy and he was extremely emotional, he left the interview crying after dedicating the match to his father.

Benfica are currently 3 points ahead of Braga and play them next week at home in an important match. A win will not guarantee them the title but will put the Lisbon club in pole position and a healthy 6 point advantage. Also, on the 1st of April, Liverpool will be travelling to Lisbon to battle out the first leg of the quarter final of the Europa League. Two huge games are coming up on the Benfica agenda and they can make or break their season.

End of an Era?

This defeat may signal the end of a cycle for Porto, Jesualdo Ferreira is in the firing line. A poor league season and a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League have angered the fans and club president. The Carlsberg Cup could have been a consolation trophy, especially as it was against their rivals; but they were outclassed on Sunday night. The only silverware Porto can store in their museum this year is the Portuguese Cup “Taça de Portugal”. They are favourites to win the competition, as Braga, Benfica and Sporting have all been knocked out. It will be interesting to see how Porto will react to this result and continue the fight for second place alongside with Braga. Finishing third this year means no Champions League football, which could be a devastating financial blow for the club.