Paulo Cunha / Lusa
It took 14 penalties to break the tie between Benfica and Sporting in Leiria, with the “eagles” lifting the trophy.
A first half played at a frenetic, balanced pace, with several dangerous moves from both sides and many offensive actions in the opponent’s large areas ended with a 1-1 draw, after Scheljdrup having opened the game with a beautiful goal and Rooted tied on penalty.
In the second half the speed decreasesand a lot, and as the minutes passed it was clear that the fear of losing was beginning to overcome the desire to win, following the decision to shoot from the penalty spot.
Then, on the 14th, Trubin saved Trincão’s shot and gave the “eagles” the eighth League Cup in their history.
The meeting started with a bang. First, Benfica approached Sporting’s goal, with more supported football, then the “lions” responded, more in transition, and were the first to create danger. Things continued in this vein and Israel also said present in Sporting’s goal.
With teams finding many spaces after breaking through the first line of opposing pressure, smelled like a goal one side or the other and it was Benfica who scored. Scheljdrup passed by Eduardo Quaresmawho until then had been very firm, switched to his right foot and shot for a beautiful goal.
A goal that didn’t change the gamewith the dangerous moves continuing close to both goals. Quenda threatened the draw, Pavlidis 2-0Quaresma also created danger and, close to half-time, Florentino took down Maxi Araújo in the large “red” area.
Root converteu o penalwhich Trubin almost saved, and it was all tied for the locker room, with the statistics also balanced.
Benfica with a little more possession of the ball, Sporting with another shot framed and a high number of actions in the large area opposite from side to side (18 for the “lions”, 16 for the “eagles”).
The second part brought a less dizzying game. Benfica with more ball, but without threatening, Sporting trying to get out quickly whenever they couldbut dangerous moves only midway through the second half, with Israel blocking long-range shots from Di María and Kökçü.
As the minutes passed, Sporting also started to get the ball in the opposite midfield, but without threatening Trubin.
The changes that the coaches introduced didn’t bring much news and everything was decided on penalties, where everyone scored — until Trubin saved Trincão’s shot.
The Game in 5 Facts
1. Balance on multiple levels
The game in Leiria was balanced in almost everything, not just the result. Ball possession was 50% for each side and several other statistical data were also leveled, such as the number of duels won (67 by Sporting, 65 by Benfica) or the number of wrong passes (56 by the “green and whites”. ”, 55 by the “incarnates”).
2. Benfica shot more, Sporting more in the area
Benfica ended the 90 minutes with 16 shots (four on target), Sporting with ten (three on target). However, the “lions” ended the match with a higher number of actions with the ball in the opposite area.
3. “Reds” better at pressing and disarming
Benfica pressed higher than Sporting and managed more defensive actions than Rui Borges’ team in the opposite midfield: 18, compared to just 11 for the green and whites. On the defensive level, the “reds” still clearly superior in tackling (26-18) and interceptions (13-7).
4. “Lions” stronger at dribbling and gaining meters
In terms of dribbling, it was Sporting who came out on top, with 38 attempts and an impressive 17 completed, compared to just seven dribbles completed by Benfica out of 22 attempts. The “lions” clearly invested more in transitions with the ball at their feet, with a total of 1123 meters gained in passing the ball in progression, compared to just 777 for Benfica.
5. “Eagles” much stronger in the air
Benfica clearly excelled both in defensive aerial duels (they won six of the eight they played) and in offensive ones (they won six of ten), with the “lions”, despite the stature of their players, falling a little behind in this detail. .
Best of the Field
Norwegian striker Andreas Schjelderup he only played 45 minutes, but reached the best rating among all those who were on the field, largely due to the lower quality complementary stage.
In a frenetic first half, the Norwegian scored the goal (beautifully effective, in a move that had 0.08 xG) for Benfica, didn’t miss a single pass, totaled six actions in Sporting’s penalty area and was the one who made the most progressive moves ( 4) and super progressive (2) succeeded in the match, being successful in two of the five dribbles he attempted.
Summary
