Benfica’s Second Half Magic Secures Dominant Victory in Guimarães

Benfica showcased their prowess with a decisive 3-0 victory over V. Guimarães at Estádio D. Afonso Henriques. This marks Benfica’s third consecutive win in the league this season, while Guimarães continues to struggle, suffering a second consecutive defeat.

Match Overview

Despite the home advantage, V. Guimarães could not break a winless streak against Benfica, extending the gap to 32 matches since their last victory in 2013. This encounter highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both teams in the ongoing season.

First Half: A Battle of Possession

The first half witnessed intense competition but lacked clear-cut chances. Both teams struggled to penetrate their opponent’s defense effectively. V. Guimarães briefly threatened, with Camara testing Benfica’s goalkeeper Trubin early on. However, the attempt was ruled offside.

• Key Players: Diogo Sousa and Camara showed promising performances for Guimarães.
• Benfica’s Formation: Manager José Mourinho utilized Fredrik Aursnes in defense, complemented by Tomás Araújo and Otamendi as central defenders.

As the first half progressed, Benfica began finding their rhythm. They finally made their mark in the 33rd minute, with Prestianni’s shot being the first significant attempt, though it was easily saved.

Second Half: Benfica’s Dominance

Adjustments by Mourinho at halftime transformed the game. The introduction of Leandro Barreiro and Schjelderup sparked Benfica’s attack immediately. Four minutes into the half, a header from Barreiro was saved, but the pressure mounted on Guimarães.

• Opening Goal: Tomás Araújo scored the first goal in the 53rd minute from a cross by Lukebakio.
• Second Goal: Samuel Dahl doubled the lead in the 63rd minute with a powerful shot.

The dynamic shift created by Mourinho’s substitutions proved essential. Enzo Barrenechea emerged as a crucial player, effectively applying pressure and contributing to the build-up of attacks from both flanks.

Late Stages and Conclusion

The Benfica squad remained relentless, narrowly missing a goal in the 84th minute when Barrenechea’s effort was deflected. However, João Rego sealed the game in the 88th minute, scoring the third goal after Castillo parried a shot.

This win was significant for Benfica, reinforcing their standing in the league as they continue to build momentum. For Guimarães, this defeat marks a concerning trend at home.

Match Statistics

With this victory at Guimarães, Benfica continues to assert their dominance, showcasing the effectiveness of Mourinho’s strategies and the team’s determination to secure a strong league position.