Benfica claim third Portuguese League Cup
Saturday, April 23, 2011
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Two first-half goals and a penalty save by Moreira helped UEFA Europa League semi-finalists SL Benfica retain the Portuguese League Cup at the expense of FC Paços de Ferreira.
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SL Benfica experienced Portuguese League Cup success for the third time in four years courtesy of a 2-1 win against FC Paços de Ferreira in Coimbra.
Benfica looked to be in control of the showpiece when Franco Jara's header (17) put the UEFA Europa League semi-finalists ahead, but Paços de Ferreira captain José Manuel was denied an equaliser when his 31st-minute penalty was saved by Moreira. Javi García increased the Eagles' advantage three minutes before half-time, and although a Luisão own goal (51) gave Paços hope, Moreira would not be beaten a second time.
"Paços were a hard team to beat," said Benfica coach Jorge Jesus. "Now we have a Europa League semi-final ahead and I have to ensure my team recovers because it seemed very tired physically and psychologically."
This third victory − in only the fourth edition of the competition − puts Benfica in good heart ahead of their UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg encounter with SC Braga in Lisbon on Thursday.