S.C Braga vs. S.L. Benfica: Liga Zon Sagres - 16ª jornada Saturday, January 26, 2013 Game time - 3:15 est (20:15) There is always contrevorsy between Benfica and Braga since JJ left Braga and started coaching Benfica. Always a tough Match. Benfica has never beaten Braga in Braga, since JJ took over. Always plays it safe for the tie, like what he does against Porto. We NEED a win to keep up with Porto. If we tie, Porto has the opportunity to take a 2 point lead over Benfica, and we all know what happens as soon as Porto takes a lead... Luckily Braga has been on the decline as of lately. 10 points behind Benfica and Porto, but will of course play their hearts out tomorrow.
I just hope JJ puts out the best lineup and lets Benfica play. None of that 1 striker bullshit, playing for the tie.
Garay still out injured. Lista de convocados: Guarda-redes: Artur Moraes e Paulo Lopes; Defesas: Luisão, Maxi Pereira, Miguel Vítor, Melgarejo, André Almeida e Jardel; Médios: Ola John, Matic, Nicolás Gaitán, Enzo Pérez, Salvio, Urreta, Pablo Aimar e André Gomes; Avançados: Cardozo, Rodrigo, Lima e Kardec.
Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund scouts at this game to "spy" on Ola John, Gaitan, Matic and Garay (who they won't see, out injured). ManUtd has already expressed their interest in Garay this season with a 15 million euro bid already rejected by Benfica and interest in Gaitan last season.
Starting XI... ---------------Artur---------------- Maxi---Luisao---Jardel---Melga ----------Enzo----Matic----------- Salvio---------Gaitan-----Ola John ----------------Lima------------------- Bench: Paulo Lopes Miguel Vitor Andre Almeida Aimar Urreta Alan Kardec Rodrigo Cardozo apparently got injured during warm ups and isn't even available on the bench. Still have quality on the bench. We have never seen Ola John, Salvio AND Gaitan on the field at the same time. This should be very interesting. Not a fan of just Lima as the lone striker, every knows I hate playing a one striker system, but hoping the 3 attacking mids/wingers make a difference.
GOOOOLLLLOOOOO!!!!! Benfica! Salvio! 1-0. 5 minutes into the match. Immense velocity to the start of the match. Lets gooooo boys!
Jardel is absolutely clutch! Saved 2 goal scoring opportunities in the opening 24 minutes. Keeps getting better and better.
Jardel is getting better and better. Cleaning everything that comes his way. Both central defenders having a huge game. No comparison from Jardel of last season and this season, night and day difference. He's been getting a lot of playing time this season with Luisao suspended and Garay injured.
He signaled to JJ he was injured and needed to be substituted, that's why Miguel Vitor was warming up.
Benfica win in Braga for the first under Jesus! 2-1 Final. Much needed win to maintain the 1st place battle against Porto.
Jardel played the best game I have seen him play until the goal (if injured then fair enough), Urreta getting a chance and Kardec at the end (transported back in time). Beto had two half Frangos to set us clear and Joao Pedro had a good finish ( a bit interested in him). Gaitan to play the Aimar/Martins role but more behind the striker?
Gaitan's natural position is what he played today, CAM. But has not played in that role, EVER at Benfica until this match. He was used as a Left mid, first season and a right mid last season. And several positions this season, (left,right and middle) I really enjoyed seeing him play as the playmaker. Hope to see more of it.
Gaitan is one of my favorite players since playing with boca, I remember him playing RM most of the time I'm sure JJ will make him one of the best playmaker if he wanted to