Benfica continued their good run of form, clocking up a fourth straight victory in the Liga Portugal for the first time this season, in an entertaining clash with high-flying Gil Vicente in Barcelos on Monday night.
The hosts started strongly, but after weathering the storm Benfica gradually took control and went ahead in the 35th minute when António Silva rose highest at a corner to head into the net.
Just like in the first half, Gil Vicente started the second half well and were rewarded when Héctor Hernández squeezed his shot past Anatoliy Trubin to level the score.
In an open game with both teams going for the win, it was Benfica who found the net thanks to piece of individual brilliance by Andreas Schjelderup. The Norwegian dribbled past his marker and smashed a shot into the roof of the net with his weaker left foot.
The victory moves Benfica back to within three points of city rivals Sporting in second place and seven points behind leaders Porto, who the Eagles welcome to the Estádio da Luz on Sunday. A win there and José Mourinho’s side will feel they are right back in the title race.
Mourinho praise for Schjelderup
Mourinho was asked about what has changed in Andreas Schjelderup’s game compared to when the coach arrived at Benfica at the start of the season.
“I feel he knows the coach likes this Schjelderup and not the Schjelderup I found when I arrived at Benfica. Although he is not a player with defensive attributes, he has improved greatly in terms of his defensive play from a tactical point of view. And then players always feel more confident when they realise the coach likes them and trusts them.”
