GAME SUMMARY
BPI League
Day 9
3
0
Carole Costa 7′ gp
Marit Lund 26′
Cristina Prieto 79′
The women’s football team Benfica This Saturday, November 16th, they beat Valadares Gaia, 3-0, at Field No. 1 of the Benfica Campus, in a game in the 9th round of the BPI League.
The eagles started with full force, and, at 3′, Marit Lund, on the left side of the attackshot crossed, taking to ball to hit not post.
It wasn’t at 3′, it was at 7′. Corner kick on the right side, the ball fell to Laís Araújo, who, in a good position, shot with a goal, but saw the ball hit Bri Blethen’s hand.
The match referee, Raquel Correia, awarded a penaltyshowing the direct red card to the Valadares Gaia player. Call to conversion, Carole Costa made no mistake, and opened the scoring of the match (1-0, 7′).
Ten minutes later, excellent play from Benfica, on the right sidewith Chandra Davidson working well, placing it in the middle of the area, where Nycole Raysla let the ball pass to Andreia Norton, who shot hard, but at the opposing goalkeeper.
But 2-0 was really going to come and how… Free in a forward position, Marit Lund took measurements of the goal, and shot without any chance of defense, thus increasing the Reds’ advantage in the match (2-0, at 26′). A great goal from the Norwegian defense.
Until the end of the first part, the team led by Filipa Patão continued to control the challengebut without being able to materialize his dominance in goals, therefore, At half-time, Benfica led 2-0.
In the second half, only at 60′ did the first opportunity arise, again from a dead ball, and… again with the signature of Marit Lund. Free-kick dropped on the right side of the attack, with the defense shooting at the post. 3-0 was in sight…
Soon after, the eagles were again very close to adding to the count. Chandra Davidson launched Andreia Faria on the right side, the midfielder served her to Marie Alidou, who, in the middle of the area, shot over (61′).
Until 3-0 reached the Benfica Campus. Playing on the right side, Chandra Davidson worked very well, and crossed the ball straight to the head of Cristina Prieto, who only found the back of the net (3-0, in the 79th minute).
Until the end of the match, the ball did not enter again, and The Reds beat Valadares Gaia, 3-0, with Marit Lund being elected Woman of the Match.
The next challenge is to tell the 3rd round of the Portuguese Cupcom the Inspiring Women to visit Parque do Serradoto face the Blackberryin a challenge scheduled for December 8th, at 3:00 pm.
DECLARATIONS
Filipa Patão (Benfica coach): “Until the expulsion, we were already managing to create and send Valadares into their defensive zone. The expulsion was too early and affected the game, which could have been even more difficult if we hadn’t had the opportunity, let’s say, to play with one more player. Even so, we dominated the entire game and created many situations, especially with crosses and submissions, in which we were not happy to continue working to achieve better results, when we are so superior.
Cristina Prieto (Benfica striker): “No game is easy, because all rivals want to score and beat Benfica. We knew we were going to face a tough opponent and I was happy that we won with a three-goal advantage. For a striker it is always important to be tied to the goal . [Espanha] and the ball hadn’t gone in for a while, so I was happy and I hope to continue like this.”
Benfica-Valadares Gaia
3-0
Benfica Campus (Field no. 1)
Lena Pauels, Marit Lund, Cristina Prieto, Andreia Norton (Jody Brown, 46′), Nycole Raysla (Lara Martins. 66′), Andreia Faria (Beatriz Cameirão, 66′), Carole Costa (Marie Alidou, 46′), Catarina Amado, Anna Gasper, Chandra Davidson and Laís Araújo (Joana Silva, 81′)
Rute Costa, Joana Silva (81′), Beatriz Cameirão (66′), Jody Brown (46′), Letícia Almeida, Christy Ucheibe, Lara Martins (66′) and Marie Alidou (46′)
Filipa Patão
Erin Seppi, Mackenzie Cherry, Brianna Blethen, Carolina Santiago (Matilde Loução, 87′), Angeline da Costa (Emily Hahnel, 87′), Neuza Besugo (Louisa Aniwaa, 27′), Maria Baleia, Cris Vieira (Cristina Ferreira, 73 ‘), Inês Barge, Gabriella Coleman (Erika Parkinson, 46’) and Érica Ventura
Carol Alves, Louisa Aniwaa (27′), Erika Parkinson (46′), Emily Hahnel (87′), Jennie Lakip, Cristina Ferreira (73′), Patrícia Dias, Sara Monteiro and Matilde Loução (87′)
2-0
Red card: Brianna Blethen (5′)
GAME SUMMARY
FINAL RESULT
Benfica 3 – 0 Valadares Gaia
Match Analysis
In a stunning display of dominance at the BPI League, the Benfica women’s football team soared past Valadares Gaia with a 3-0 victory at Field No. 1 of the Benfica Campus on November 16th. And isn’t that just lovely? I mean, who doesn’t love a good thrashing on a Saturday? Let’s dive in, shall we?
First Half: An Early Advantage
The eagles were let loose right from the off; they were like a pack of hungry chickens—anxiety and clucking all over the place. Just three minutes in, Marit Lund almost had the first for Benfica, sending a cross that unfortunately only kissed the post! Ah, the sweet taste of near-misses—reminds me of my last holiday when I almost caught a fish…but it was actually just a really enthusiastic boot.
But wait, it got even better! In the 7th minute, a corner led to Valadares’ Bri Blethen having a not-so-charmed moment when she handled the ball like it was a hot potato. A penalty, a red card, and bingo! Carole Costa stepped up to convert it without even breaking a sweat (1-0, 7′). Talk about a great way to start; it must have felt like Christmas morning for the Benfica squad!
As if that wasn’t enough, only 19 minutes later, Marit Lund decided she wanted to really make a name for herself with a magnificent shot that left the Valadares keeper viewing the ball slip into the back of the net for the second time, bringing the score to 2-0. Huge kudos to Filipa Patão and her crew for this electrifying first half, where they enjoyed complete control. I’d say it was a power trip—a thrilling ride in the driver’s seat!
Second Half: More of the Same
Now, let’s move to the second half where, predictably, Benfica kept the pressure up like a contestant on a game show desperate for the final round. Ten minutes in, Lund once again threatened with a free kick that had everyone biting their nails. But alas, it hit the post—a near tragedy that the crowd collectively sighed over.
With plenty of fireworks left, Chandra Davidson set up Cristina Prieto, who then added the cherry on top in the 79th minute, making it 3-0! This was a match filled with hijinks, and one that could only leave the fans smiling. Come on, you’ve got to love a good rout!
Post-Match Thoughts
The coach, Filipa Patão, reflected on the game, pointing out that the opposition went down to ten men early on—perhaps a tad too early, she mused, but hey, when opportunity knocks, you play the drums, right? Meanwhile, Cristina Prieto echoed similar sentiments, stating that no game is easy—but when you win by three, it sure feels good. Almost like finding a sock you thought had been lost for eternity!
Next Up
As the dust settles, the eagles look forward to facing the Blackberry in the 3rd round of the Portuguese Cup on December 8th. Can’t wait to see if they handle this challenge like they did yesterday—maybe with even more flair!
GAME SUMMARY
BPI League
Day 9
3
0
Carole Costa 7′ gp
Marit Lund 26′
Cristina Prieto 79′
The women’s football team Benfica triumphed on Saturday, November 16th, securing a decisive 3-0 victory against Valadares Gaia at Field No. 1 of the Benfica Campus during the 9th round of the BPI League.
The eagles commenced the match with boundless energy and urgency, dominating play right from the start. In just the 3rd minute, Marit Lund carved through the left flank, launching a powerful shot that struck the post, sending an early warning to their opponents.
Shortly after, a pivotal moment occurred at 7 minutes into the game. Following a corner kick taken from the right, Laís Araújo found herself in a prime scoring position but was swiftly denied as the ball ricocheted off Bri Blethen’s hand.
The match referee, Raquel Correia, swiftly awarded a penalty kick and brandished a direct red card to the Valadares Gaia player. With ice in her veins, Carole Costa stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, marking the first goal of the match and putting Benfica ahead 1-0 just 7 minutes in.
Ten minutes later, Benfica displayed remarkable teamwork on the right side when Chandra Davidson executed a brilliant play, delivering a precision pass into the box. Despite Andreia Norton’s powerful strike, it was ultimately thwarted by the opposing goalkeeper.
But the fans didn’t have to wait long for the second goal. At the 26-minute mark, Marit Lund, stationed in a promising forward position, measured her shot perfectly and unleashed a powerful drive that left the goalkeeper with no chance to respond. The eagles widened their lead to 2-0.
As the first half progressed, the Benfica side, under the guidance of coach Filipa Patão, maintained an impressive hold on the match, controlling possession and crafting opportunities, yet failing to find the net again. Consequently, they went into the halftime break with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
The second half was marked by continued Benfica dominance. However, the first real chance of the half didn’t manifest until the 60th minute, once again arising from a dead ball situation. This time, Marit Lund took a free kick that struck the post, indicating that a 3-0 scoreline was becoming increasingly likely.
Shortly afterwards, the eagles threatened to expand their advantage once more. Chandra Davidson expertly launched a counter, setting up Andreia Faria on the right who found Marie Alidou in the center, but the latter’s shot sailed over the target.
It wasn’t long before the scoreline reflected Benfica’s dominance. At the 79-minute mark, Chandra Davidson’s excellent cross found the head of Cristina Prieto, who made no mistake in sending the ball into the back of the net, solidifying a 3-0 lead for Benfica.
As the match drew to a close, no further goals were scored, and Benfica secured a convincing victory over Valadares Gaia, with Marit Lund deservedly being named Woman of the Match for her remarkable performance throughout the encounter.
Looking ahead, Benfica’s next challenge awaits them in the 3rd round of the Portuguese Cup, where they will travel to Parque do Serrado to face the Blackberry on December 8th at 3:00 PM.
DECLARATIONS
Filipa Patão (Benfica coach): “Until the expulsion, we were already managing to create and send Valadares into their defensive zone. The expulsion was too early and affected the game, which could have been even more difficult if we hadn’t had the opportunity, let’s say, to play with one more player. Even so, we dominated the entire game and created many situations, especially with crosses and submissions, in which we were not happy to continue working to achieve better results, when we are so superior.
Cristina Prieto (Benfica striker): “No game is easy, because all rivals want to score and beat Benfica. We knew we were going to face a tough opponent and I was happy that we won with a three-goal advantage. For a striker, it is always important to be tied to the goal. The ball hadn’t gone in for a while, so I was happy and I hope to continue like this.”
Benfica-Valadares Gaia
3-0
Benfica Campus (Field no. 1)
Lena Pauels, Marit Lund, Cristina Prieto, Andreia Norton (Jody Brown, 46′), Nycole Raysla (Lara Martins. 66′), Andreia Faria (Beatriz Cameirão, 66′), Carole Costa (Marie Alidou, 46′), Catarina Amado, Anna Gasper, Chandra Davidson and Laís Araújo (Joana Silva, 81′)
Rute Costa, Joana Silva (81′), Beatriz Cameirão (66′), Jody Brown (46′), Letícia Almeida, Christy Ucheibe, Lara Martins (66′) and Marie Alidou (46′)
Filipa Patão
Erin Seppi, Mackenzie Cherry, Brianna Blethen, Carolina Santiago (Matilde Loução, 87′), Angeline da Costa (Emily Hahnel, 87′), Neuza Besugo (Louisa Aniwaa, 27′), Maria Baleia, Cris Vieira (Cristina Ferreira, 73 ‘), Inês Barge, Gabriella Coleman (Erika Parkinson, 46’) and Érica Ventura
Carol Alves, Louisa Aniwaa (27′), Erika Parkinson (46′), Emily Hahnel (87′), Jennie Lakip, Cristina Ferreira (73′), Patrícia Dias, Sara Monteiro and Matilde Loução (87′)
2-0
Red card: Brianna Blethen (5′)
What factors contributed to Benfica’s strong performance against Valadares Gaia?
Is always round, and anything can happen. Nevertheless, scoring a goal today felt fantastic, and I hope to continue this momentum into our next match.”
Benfica’s strong performance against Valadares Gaia not only bolstered their confidence but also showcased their depth and skill on the pitch. With Marit Lund leading the charge and contributions from players like Carole Costa and Cristina Prieto, the team looks poised to tackle upcoming challenges head-on.
As the eagles head into the Portuguese Cup against the Blackberry, there’s a palpable excitement surrounding the squad. Can they replicate such dominant displays? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—Benfica’s fans will be eagerly watching and cheering them on, passionate as ever.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Benfica’s 3-0 victory serves as a clear message to their rivals in the BPI League: they are a team to be reckoned with. Consistent performances, effective teamwork, and the ability to capitalize on their opponents’ errors are attributes that could lead them to further successes as the season progresses. The eagles not only cruelly dispatched Valadares Gaia but did so with style—exactly how football should be played and enjoyed!