Despite earning his first start and scoring his fourth goal in five appearances, Freddy Adu was unable to prevent Benfica from crashing out of the Taça da Liga.
As expected, Jose Antonio Camacho rested several top players but fielded a surprise lineup with Adu slotting in at left midfield. However, the young Benfica team struggled early against a full strength Setubal which included the now healthy and aptly named Brazilian Pitbull up front.
The first 35 minutes belonged to Setubal as Pitbull forced several saves from Hans-Jörg Butt before having a strong claim for a penalty denied in the thirteenth minute. Setubal repeatedly victimized Benfica defender Luis Filipe and the ineffective Edcarlos in midfield. Despite all their attacking Setubal could not overcome the strong covering play from Brazilian international central defender Luisao.
The tied turned late in the second half as Benfica's young attackers came to life and began to show their potential. Angel De Maria began to rain crosses in from the right side of the Benfica attack, with both Bergessio and Edcarlos missing headers to either side of the goal in the 35th minute.
The breakthrough would finally come just before halftime from another Di Maria cross. Though Setubal keeper Eduardo caught the cross, referee Paulo Costa called a penalty on Ricardo Chaves for a push on Bergessio. Adu stepped up to take the penalty, sending Eduardo the wrong way for his fourth goal in a Benfica shirt.
The second half began much like the first with Setubal almost leveling just minutes into the period when substitute Edinho beat Luisao to a header but it streaked inches over the cross bar.
Setubal showed why they have yet to lose this campaign when a strong shot from Edinho deflected to Matheus who scored past a stranded Benfica defense in the 67th minute.
Setubal completed the comeback with an 82nd minute strike from a determined Edinho. After the goal Adu was subbed out in favor of youngster, Yu Dabao, however the China international was unable to provide any help as Benfica were eliminated.
Benfica will have to quickly put this game behind them to focus on Saturday's league match against relegation candidates Paços de Ferreira. |
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