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Red-hot Saviola keeps Benfica on track
Javier Saviola was once again the toast of Benfica fans as his 47th-minute goal gave the Eagles a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Rio Ave. Benfica thus become the first away team to win in Vila do Conde and remain level on points with Braga at the table summit.
The former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker has been a revelation since coming to the Portuguese capital, so much so that Argentina coach Diego Maradona says he is considering taking him to South Africa in the summer.
Saviola scored what has become his trademark goal, ghosting in on the second post as a corner was flicked on to volley into the top corner. The Argentine has now scored in six of Benfica’s last seven games, the last three of which have been decisive strikes in 1-0 wins.
As for the match, as expected Rio Ave proved tough opposition, especially in the first half when they had the better of the few chances created. However, once Benfica took the lead Jorge Jesus’ side never looked like losing it and their championship aspirations remain bang on track.
Rio Ave:
Mora, Jose Gomes, Gaspar, Jeferson, Fabio Faria, Andre Vilas Boas, Wires (Adriano, 55), Vitor Gomes (Tarantini, 78), Bruno Gama, Sidnei (Chidi, 60), Joao Tomas
Benfica:
Quim, Maxi Pereira, Luisao, Miguel Vitor, Cesar Peixoto, Javi Garcia, Ramires, Di Maria, Carlos Martins (Aimar, 66), Cardozo, Saviola (Fabio Coentrao, 83)
Goals:
[0-1] Saviola, 47 |
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