Lisbon, Portugal — In a football fixture brimming with tactical intrigue and pre-season exuberance, SL Benfica emerged victorious in the Eusébio Cup, defeating José Mourinho`s Fenerbahçe 3-2. The match, played before a passionate crowd of 50,000 at the Estádio da Luz, served as Benfica`s final competitive rehearsal before their Supertaça clash, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the strategic approaches of both sides and the readiness of their respective squads.
The Early Dominance and a Familiar Scenario
Benfica, keen to present their new acquisitions and demonstrate their collective strength, started with an assertive demeanor. Coach Roger Schmidt deployed a lineup featuring new faces such as Richard Ríos, Enzo Barrenechea, and Dedic, integrating them swiftly into the squad`s established rhythm. The initial exchanges saw the Eagles asserting control, particularly in possession, while Fenerbahçe, under the pragmatic guidance of Mourinho, sought to exploit transitions.
The first significant opportunities arrived around the 13th minute, with Benfica`s Otamendi testing the Fenerbahçe goalkeeper Livakovic, who responded with an excellent save. Fenerbahçe immediately retaliated, En-Nesyri creating space before forcing a save from Benfica`s Trubin. It was a clear indication that this friendly, despite its pre-season billing, would not lack intensity.
The breakthrough for Benfica came in the 38th minute, a well-orchestrated move that culminated in Akturkoglu finding the net after being set up by Pavlidis. This was followed almost immediately by a second goal, just two minutes later. A shot from debutant Richard Ríos was parried by the Turkish keeper, leading to a scramble. Dedic teed up Pavlidis, whose shot took a deflection off Brown, resulting in an unfortunate own goal for Fenerbahçe. At 2-0, it seemed Benfica was cruising, demonstrating a fluid attacking display that had the home crowd in raptures.
The Mourinho Effect: A Resilient Comeback
However, football, particularly under the tutelage of José Mourinho, rarely follows a predictable script. Just before half-time, Fenerbahçe capitalized on a lapse in concentration from Barrenechea. Kahveci seized the opportunity, striking from the edge of the box with precision, leaving the Benfica goalkeeper with no chance. This goal served as a stark reminder that a two-goal lead can evaporate quicker than pre-season enthusiasm.
The second half saw a flurry of substitutions from both benches, a common occurrence in friendlies, allowing coaches to assess depth and tactical variations. For Benfica, Samuel Soares, Leandro Barreiro, Leandro Santos, and Bruma entered the fray. Fenerbahçe, with the likes of John Durán coming on, began to exert more pressure. Durán, formerly of Al Nassr, unleashed a sensational shot that rattled the post in the 54th minute – a clear warning shot.
The equalizer inevitably arrived. En-Nesyri, showcasing remarkable pace and composure, galloped forward, evading Benfica`s central defenders before calmly beating Samuel Soares. The score stood at 2-2, and the narrative had completely shifted. It was a classic Mourinho comeback: a team initially outmaneuvered finding a way back through sheer tenacity and clinical finishing.
Henrique Araújo`s Decisive Strike and Future Prospects
As the match progressed into its final quarter, more changes were made. Benfica`s manager introduced Schelderup, Obrador, Diogo Prioste, Prestianni, and Henrique Araújo. It was Araújo, returning to the pitch to warm applause from the home fans, who would write the final chapter of this engaging contest. In the 79th minute, from a well-practiced set-piece, Otamendi found himself at the far post, laying the ball off for Araújo, who made no mistake, tapping it into the net. It was a goal born of tactical preparation and opportune positioning, characteristic of Benfica`s approach.
Araújo even threatened a brace late in the game, first forcing a save and then finding the net again from a Wynder assist, only for VAR to rule it out. Such are the fine margins, even in pre-season.
This 3-2 victory not only secured the Eusébio Cup for Benfica for the sixth time but also offered valuable insights. For Benfica, it was a test of resilience, highlighting both their attacking potential and areas for defensive improvement. The new signings demonstrated promise, but the match also revealed the familiar pre-season tendency for fluctuating performance levels. Their focus now shifts entirely to the Supertaça against Sporting, where the stakes will be considerably higher.
For Fenerbahçe and José Mourinho, the defeat, while perhaps irksome, provided crucial data. Their ability to claw back a two-goal deficit underscored the `Special One`s` enduring influence on team character and tactical adaptability. It’s a work in progress, but the spirit of defiance is already evident. As teams worldwide fine-tune their strategies and squad dynamics, this Eusébio Cup encounter serves as a microcosm of pre-season football: a blend of experimentation, flashes of brilliance, and the occasional reminder that even the most well-laid plans can hit a momentary snag.
