Ten-man Benfica bite back
Monday, December 6, 2004
Article summary
SL Benfica joined FC Porto at the top of the Portuguese SuperLiga, fighting back to defeat GD Estoril-Praia.
Article body
Ten-man SL Benfica joined FC Porto on 25 points at the top of the Portuguese SuperLiga on Monday night, fighting back from a goal down to defeat GD Estoril-Praia.
Early shock
With the champions surprisingly losing at home against SC Beira-Mar on Friday night, Benfica had the chance to move level on points with the league leaders. However, Giovanni Trapattoni's team fell behind against Estoril inside four minutes as João Paulo gave the visitors an unexpected early lead.
Simão strikes
Home hopes suffered a further setback nine minutes before half-time as 18-year-old midfield player Manuel Fernandes was sent off, but eight minutes later Benfica led. Simão Sabrosa levelled in the 39th minute and scored what proved to be the winner five minutes later, converting from the penalty spot to earn three important points.
