Benfica won the Algarve Trophy this Sunday with a 5-1 win over Fulham in a game in which Roger Schmidt took advantage of the English opposition to set up a steamroller, scoring three goals in the first half hour.
With just one substitution compared to the team that beat Nice 3-0, with goalkeeper Odysseas replacing Helton Leite, Benfica once again performed at a high level. And you can already see Roger Schmidt’s DNA in a team that likes to have the ball, respond quickly to losses and aren’t afraid to press hard.
And the truth is, it only took three minutes to get the upper hand. Enzo Fernandez picked up the ball in the center of the field and opened for Joao Mario, who crossed to Goncalo Ramos. The young striker missed, but the ball remained with Rafa, and the score became 1:0.
The team relaxed even more, standing out with Neres, Joao Mario and Rafa. But most of all, in the end, Goncalo Ramos shone, scoring twice in the match with a header (corner João Mario), and then with an amendment near the gate with a cross from Rafa.
In the second half, Schmidt changed all ten outfield players. And there was a drop in productivity and routine.
Despite this, Benfica continued to play more. The will was preserved in search of the ball, in a collective effort. And that led to more goals. Yaremchuk went to the Weigl cross in the best possible way. Fulham, led by Marco Silva and Palinha, were still losing to Mitrovic (61 feet), but three minutes later Enrique Araujo made it 5-1 after a cross from Ba. A good test and a good win before the meeting on Monday with an opponent in the Champions.
Featured Players
Gonzalo Ramos
The young striker scored two goals and conceded the same number. He had a good header in the first and on time in the second.
David Neres
Brings speed, pace and good ball control. It was he who gave the celebration an artistic note.
Enzo Fernandez
He took a stake in the team. It is he who returns the ball in the first goal. Helps with high blood pressure and is also looking for a target at a long distance.
Rafa
It was one of the promoters. This Sunday we opened the scoring and built most of the attacking game.
Alexander Bach
This will not make life easier for Gilberto, who is also in a high rotation. This Sunday, he again rose well on his flank and assisted Enrique Araujo with a score of 5:1.
Author: Mario Figueiredo
Source: CM Jornal
