Benfica brilliance stuns Split

SL Benfica remain on course for a place in the UEFA Futsal Cup final after a rousing victory against MNK Split.

Two in a row
The Portuguese hosts of the Group B second qualifying round mini-tournament have won their first two matches and face a showdown with two-time finalists Action 21 Charleroi on Saturday. The winners of that contest will progress to the two-legged final on 24 April and 1 May.

Captain suspended
Benfica were without suspended captain André, but José Maria who was wearing the armband in his place, proved an able replacement and led by example with the opening goal in the third minute after Chico had struck the post.

Favour returned
The Brazilian-born Chico then made it 2-0 a minute later by rounding Croatian goalkeeper Aljosa Stanicic, after José Maria had returned the compliment with a neat pass. On seven minutes, it was three as Arnaldo forced in a fierce shot from a tight angle.

Delpont injured
Only then did Split, hampered by the absence of forward Alen Delpont with injury, begin to get into the game. Ivan Tomicic and Dean Banic both tried their luck but found Benfica goalkeeper José Carlos equal to their efforts. Normal service was resumed midway through the first half when Chico hit his second of the night, and the best goal of the night, as he finished off a long clearance from José Carlos and a headed assist by Ricardinho.

Split denied
Benfica completed the rout in the second half with José Maria scoring again along with efforts from Lukaian and Ricardinho. Split could not manage a consolation despite the long-range efforts from Robert Jarni and the Croatian champions' hopes of progression were quashed.