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Pablo Aimar thanked the fans for turning up in numbers and stated the team are grateful for their support.
"We are grateful for the number of fans who showed up for this game. I hope they come back on Wednesday [Leiria match] because we need them."
A near full Estádio da Luz saw Benfica take on Vitória de Guimarães for the Liga Sagres Matchweek 17 game.
Ramires was a last minute doubt and was replaced before kick-off by Carlos Martins. Fábio Coentrão started as a left-back and every other position was filled with the traditional starting line up by Jorge Jesus.
Pablo Aimar was the first player to score on the quarter of the our when he shot low past Nilson. The Argentine got lucky with a rebound and also had Cardozo on his left side should he needed him.
Former Benfica midfielder Nuno Assis equalized for the away side after a quick counter attack that opened the «encarnados» defence with much ease. Guimarães proved to be clinical and were hoping to continue their run of unbeaten games at the Luz since 2006.
In the second half Carlos Martins made the difference with 2 goals in 10 minutes. The first was set up by Aimar and the Portuguese midfielder shot first time from the edge of the area to beat Nilson at near post. His second, a contender for goal of the month, was an unstoppable effort which rippled the top right corner.
Carlos Martins' night would end early with a silly handball which took himself by surprise, a clear mistake and unwanted action which earned him a second booking.
Cardozo could have got his name on the scoresheet when Di María played an early ball, and the Paraguayan set off from his own half for a one-on-one with Guimarães keeper, who stood his ground to deny Liga's top goalscorer.
Nilson was up to his antics once again, and this time making a world-class save from substitute Éder Luís' goal bound effort.
Braga's win on Friday against Sporting means it all stays the same at the summit of the table, but Benfica will have their chance on Wednesday with the anticipated Liga Sagres Matchweek 20 game when they take on Leiria in Lisbon. |
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