Vasco Seabra Asserts Benfica’s 5-0 Win Was Not a Struggle
Vasco Seabra, coach of Arouca, addressed the media following a significant 5-0 defeat against Benfica. This game took place during the ninth round of the Liga Portugal at Estádio da Luz. Seabra expressed disappointment, noting that while his team is accustomed to facing challenges from top-tier teams, they struggled today.
Match Analysis
Seabra highlighted several key moments that contributed to the heavy loss.
- Three penalties awarded to Benfica.
- A goal from a corner kick.
- Arouca’s difficulty in maintaining possession, especially during the first half.
Frustrations in Performance
The coach acknowledged that his team’s performance did not warrant such a high scoreline against them.
“Benfica didn’t dominate to win 5-0,” stated Seabra. He emphasized that the two early penalties significantly hindered Arouca’s ability to compete in the match. Despite initial efforts to stay competitive, the outcome was ultimately decided by these pivotal moments.
Player Decisions and Strategy
Regarding player Fukui’s exclusion from the starting lineup, Seabra explained his strategy. He believed a different approach was necessary for this match.
Fukui excelled after his second-half introduction, but Seabra wanted to create more space for him later in the game. He noted, “The game was balanced until the penalty.” He praised Fukui’s performance, stating his impact was significant despite not starting.
Possession Issues
Arouca struggled with ball possession, particularly during the build-up phase. Seabra refined his tactics between halves, trying to adapt to Benfica’s aggressive pressure.
Despite showing improvement in the second half, Arouca ultimately needed to be bolder in their play. “We must become braver to break through defensive lines,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, Seabra is optimistic. Arouca will face Moreirense next, and he challenges his team to earn points against the top teams in the upcoming rounds.
