It was expected to be a big test of Benfica’s title credentials on Friday night, as high-flying Braga visited the Portuguese capital.
Over 60,000 fans packed into the Estádio da Luz and two hours later the vast majority of them left the venue in euphoric mood after goals from Mitroglou (x2), Jonas (penalty), Pizzi and Samaris led to a thumping 5-1 win for the home side. Pedro Santos scored a late consolation from the penalty spot for Braga.
Benfica move a step closer to lifting a third successive Portuguese championship.
The opening 15 minutes gave no indication of what was to follow, as the visitors took the game to Benfica and were twice close to scoring. In the opening minute Wilson Eduardo’s header beat Ederson but bounced back into play off the post, and then Rafa burst clean through on goal but his attempted lob over the Brazilian keeper drifted wide.
Braga were made to pay for their profligacy in ruthless fashion by Benfica, as three goals before half time put the game to bed.
In the 17th minute Mitroglou punished poor defending by Braga. Goalkeeper Matheus and Mauro failed to clear their lines and got themselves in a tight spot, with Renato Sanches robbing the ball and setting up Mitroglou who shot into the roof of the net to settle Benfica’s nerves.
Benfica doubled their lead when Jonas made no mistake from the penalty spot after a handball in the Braga box, and almost immediately 2-0 became 3-0 as Pizzi drove a powerful low shot from 25 yards into the corner of the net after being assisted in unorthodox but effective fashion by Jonas.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Braga again starting brightly but unable to make good on their chances, Hassan hitting the post. Benfica, on the other hand, as has been the case so often this season, were unforgiving in front of goal.
A superb counterattack in the 71st minute resulted in Jonas unselfishly setting up Mitroglou for his second of the match, and four minutes later Samaris curled a sumptuous free kick into the net to make it 5-0. A late penalty earned and converted by Pedro Santos did not mask a disappointing night for Braga.
Benfica go 5 points clear at the top of the table, at least until Sporting play on Monday at Belenenses, and the manner of the victory will provide a confidence boost ahead of the trip to Bayern Munich on Tuesday night for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final.
By Tom Kundert
Video highlights of Benfica 5-1 Braga
