Benfica Esneca 5: WSE Champions League Journey

In the game of the 5th round, played on the night of this Saturday, February 14th, at Pavilhão Fidelidade, the Benfica drew with CP Esneca Fraga (2-2), guaranteeing 1st place in Group B and the consequent classification for the final four da WSE Champions League Women.

Demonstrating great effectivenessthe Spanish team took the lead immediately after 2′. When converting a direct freeAdriana Soto beat Maria Vieira for the 1-0.

Benfica reacted assertively and, at 5′, Sara Roces bumped into Anna Ferrer following a nice individual play. A few seconds later, CP goalkeeper Esneca Fraga shone again, stopping a strong shot and subsequent reload from Raquel Santos.

The red and black reaction materialized on the scoreboard at 11′. Raquel Santos shot from afar and Maria Sofia Silva deflected the ball to the back of the net for the 1-1.

In response, already to 12′, Maria Vieira prevented CP Esneca Fraga from retaking the lead with a spectacular helmet defense and, before the break, at 19′Adriana Soto got it right afterwards from the eagles’ goal.

The opening minutes of the 2nd half were fruitful for Benfica. To the 29′, Aimee Blackman started on the right side and crossed with count, weight and measure for Maria Sofia Silva’s winning deflection. Momentary turnaround (2-1) and big party at the Fidelidade Pavilion.

However, the Spanish team continued to create danger every time they approached the Eagles’ goal and even managed to draw (2-2) to the 34′: Maria Sanjurjo shot counting on recharge to a shot by Adriana Soto saved by Maria Vieira.

Until the end, the best opportunity to unlock equality belonged to the Benfica. CP Esneca Fraga had 9 fouls since 41′ and ended up committing the 10th infraction at 45′. Call to collect from correspondent direct free, Sara Roces He tried to dribble past the opposing goalkeeper, but she threw herself onto the ground to avoid making it 3-2.

Surviving a final attack by the Spanish, the eagles celebrated the qualification with a bow to the fans after the horn sounds.

The 5th round of Group B of the WSE Champions League Women has concluded, team led by Paulo Almeida returns to the track at 21h00 of Wednesday, February 18at the reception at CRIAR-T, at 13th round of the South Zone of the National Championship.

DECLARATIONS

Paulo Almeida (Benfica coach): “In the world of women’s roller hockey, no one believed that Benfica would be able to advance to final four of the Champions League. It was the group of death, with Benfica and three other Spanish teams, one of them European champion Palau. And, perhaps, everyone thought that Palau and Fraga were going to pass. They were completely mistaken. Benfica, with this draw, achieved 1st place with all merit. He played five very quality games, has 11 points and is going to the last round [6.ª] comply with the schedule. But, in fact, we want to finish the group without defeats. I think it was very nice for us, for the players and for the Club to go to Manlleu to play another great game and win the 3 points. At half-time I told my players that it was Fraga who had to win, because if they lost it would be complicated, but a draw for us was good. Congratulations to my players for another great game. These are the matches that Benfica fans deserve to see. They are the 6th player and always support the team, as does the Board, which wants the sport to grow and always be in the top circle of roller hockey. This working group really wants to have the taste of winning the Champions League again.”

Maria Sofia Silva (Benfica striker): “We left here with the first objective of this season. In addition to winning all the competitions, we wanted to be present in the final four so that we could fight for an achievement that we have wanted for a long time and we achieved it. Of course it is special. We knew that the opponent would give everything, because they are fierce and a good team. We knew how to suffer and we secured access to the final four. Despite being in what they say is the group of death, we are Sport Lisboa and Benfica. We fight to win and to be in the first places, so we have to believe and fight for it. We are very happy because it shows the work that has been done throughout the season. [a WSE Champions League Women] It has to be ours.”