บท 116: Chapter 116: Benfica’s Last Resort
Chapter 116: Benfica's Last Resort
Bruno's header was a reminder to Benfica that they needed to intensify their attack or risk conceding more goals. Despite their conservative approach this match, Benfica certainly wasn't lacking in offensive talent. Their front line boasted the likes of Cardozo, Rodrigo, and Sulejmani, along with substitutes like Perez and Markovic, and even center-back Garay—who had scored 7 goals for Benfica across all competitions this season.
These players were the pride of Benfica fans, known for their excellent attacking skills which made Jorge Jesus's football style very appealing. However, Jesus's choice to play conservatively had left a bitter taste for the first forty-five minutes.
It's said that it's never too late to mend. If Benfica could embrace this game with renewed dignity, there was still a chance to create a miracle—as long as their defensive line stopped making errors.
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Eduardo Salvio, Benfica's versatile attacking midfielder, was capable of playing almost any role in the attacking midfield. The 23-year-old Argentine had come to Europe in early 2010, initially joining Atlético Madrid before being loaned to Benfica that summer. With Argentine compatriots like Saviola and Aimar at Benfica, he gradually adapted to the European leagues. After returning to Atlético Madrid for a season in 2011, he transferred to Benfica in the summer of 2012. With four years of experience in European leagues, his performance on the field had matured significantly.
Salvio was a critical part of Benfica's attack, especially on the wings, making him a frequent target of tight marking by opponents. This time, as Salvio received a pass in the defensive half, he was quickly surrounded by two Udinese players.
Salvio didn't rush to pass the ball away but decided to take on the two opponents himself, looking for a breakthrough! Gabriel Silva was the first Udinese player to attempt to take the ball from Salvio. Salvio pulled the ball back, causing Udinese's left-back to miss entirely. Following up was Kante, who tried to dispossess Salvio as he pulled the ball back. Anticipating a slower reaction from Salvio, Kante was surprised by Salvio's quicker-than-expected move; Salvio had already pushed the ball forward and sped between Kante and Silva!
"That was a brilliant maneuver!" the Portuguese commentator exclaimed.
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Not only the commentator was cheering. Nearly sixty thousand Benfica fans in the Estádio da Luz were also jubilant. Down by two goals, the fans desperately needed their team to show some strength; they were tired of seeing their team hunkering down defensively and waiting for attacks.
While goals weren't easy to come by, for now, some exciting plays by the Benfica players could at least provide some consolation and satisfaction to the fans. Thus, Salvio's successful one-on-two play acted like a shot of adrenaline for the supporters, prompting cheers loud enough to make one think Benfica had scored, though it was just because of a high-quality dribble.
After breezing past Silva and Kante, Salvio accelerated forward with the ball. The Benfica fans
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