Filled in the latest forms and fulfilled the latest requirements, Benfica confirmed a new duel with Sporting, this time, at the National Stadium, in the Portuguese Cup final, with a new loose victory over Tirsen (4-0), at Estádio da Luz. With an advantage of a goals brought from Barcelos, Bruno Lage again revolutionized a new result for a new result. Broadly, but eventually confirmed the qualification for Jamor with a consolidated advantage of nine goals.
It will be the fourth derby of the season between Benfica and Sporting in four different stages. After the first in Alvalade, and the second, in Leiria, in the League Cup final, we will still have a third in the Luz stadium, which could be decisive for the title, and a quarter closing the season in Jamor, which has not happened for 29 years, since the final 1995/96, marked by the infamous Very-Light that killed a Sporting fan.
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Despite the difference of three levels to separate the two teams, the motivation with which the Tirsena came to light to close the season, the determining result of the first leg and the rotation that Bruno Lage again promoted in this second game (nine changes to the game with Vitória), allowed an approximation between the two teams, at least, along the first part.
With nine changes compared to the game with Vitória (only António Silva and Florentino were), Benfica took over the reins of the game, but without any hurry and get ahead. With a high possession of the ball, Benfica was circulating the ball, squeezing the siege of the Santo Tirso team area, but without forcing the entrance. On the other hand, a Trsense who was visibly prepared for an avalanche that was slow to appear. Emanuel Simões's team closed very well, defending to the area, but without exerting any pressure on the ball holder.
Benfica seemed to be waiting for an opponent's mistake, making the ball circular between corridors, with Tiago Gouveia, again in the role of right -back, to be able to give more depth than Samuel Dahl, on the opposite side, but there was a lack of speed changes, rupture passes that allowed Benfica to create opportunities. A picture that allowed Tirsense to gain confidence and rehearse the first attacks.
A game that was dragging on to the break and reinforced the conviction that, with a little more speed, Benfica would easily reach the goal. This is what Bruno Lage, annoyed by the line, was pending his players. Without speed, the first great opportunity comes in a set ball, in a corner kick, with Belotti deflecting the first post and Leandro Barreiro trying to make the amendment in the second, but the ball, by centimeters passed by.
The truth, that each time Benfica was carrying on the accelerator, created an opportunity, as happened to Tiago Gouveia and also with Bruma, both on the right, but they were only fogachos in a first part that became boring. Arthur Cabral, following a long pass from António Silva, had a great opportunity to open the marker, but Tiago Gonçalves responded with the defense of the night.
When it seemed that the break was going to arrive with a null null null, Benfica finally arrived at the goal, in a confusing move that begins at a cross of Florentine. Belotti headed the post, the ball returns to the game, Leandro Barreiro Remate and António Silva, in the small area, divert the ball into the net. The fans, which certainly already had many goals, finally gave the joy.
Just a goal in the first part, but the truth is that Benfica was getting closer to the goal, now with a six goals advantage and just 45 minutes ahead.
The second part was very close to starting with 2-0, in a cross shot of Leandro Barreiro. The first few minutes failed to foresee a faster game, because Tirsena returned more climbed and Benfica had more spaces, but quickly fell into the same lengalenga in a predictable and sleepy game.
Bruno Lage no longer waited and promoted three changes from a settlement, sparing Florentino and removing from the Schjelderup and Bruma game that completely passed by this new opportunity. They were the game Amdouni, Prestianni and the rookie João Veloso. Amdouni came in with everything and was very close to scoring at the first opportunity. The truth is that Benfica improved in view and there was no need to wait long for the second goal. Presentianni's corner of the left, Arthur Cabral deflects his head on the first post and Bajrami appears in the second to push the ball into the bottom of the net. First goal of Central Albanian by the main team.
António Silva broke the resistance of the Trsense over the interval 🦅#Sporttvport #Taçanasporttv # #slbenfica #Sar pic.twitter.com/83rU2OPo1u
– Sport TV (@Sporttvportug)
April 23, 2025
A second goal that overthrew Tirsen's latest expectations to return home with a decent result, as Emanuel Simões's team lowered his arms, lost concentration and then Belotti then made the 3-0 the pass of Tiago Gouveia. A goal that also quiet Bruno Lage who, on a night of premieres, also gave André Gomes and Hugo Félix.
Belotti making the third of SL Benfica 👏#Sporttvport #Taçanasporttv # #slbenfica #Sar pic.twitter.com/EmWoOu535X
– Sport TV (@Sporttvportug)
April 23, 2025
Two goals that animated Benfica who finally released in the game, now with more guys, looking for a larger result, although time was scarce. Benfica still managed to cheer up the benches and, in compensation time, managed to reach the rout, with a goal by Leandro Barreiro.
The essentials had already been achieved in Barcelos, tonight was just a formality, the lack of Benfica's return to Jamor.
