Benfica Póvoa AC 1: Handball Championship Update

GAME SUMMARY

Showing more arguments, the Benfica beat Póvoa AC, 31-22, in the challenge of the 15th round of the 1st phase of the National Championship, played at Pavilhão no. 2 da Luz, this Tuesday, December 9th.

The first goal even went to the visitors, but the eagles’ reaction was strong. One 5-0 partial boosted a robust lead (5-1). Carlos Resende, coach of the opposing team, requested timeout.

Com Gustavo Capdeville to cover the beacon in several attacks by Póvoa AC, the reds continued to control the challenge. In a 7 meter free kick, Bélone Moreira put Benfica up 6-2.

Póvoa AC accumulated some technical failures and even without Gabriel Cavalcantiwho had to leave due to physical complaints, the eagles did not waver. At half-time, they were up 16-7.

When the fight resumed, Benfica was sharp and when he had to act in numerical inferiority he did well. Póvoa AC reduced the distance, but the eagles never stopped having the match under control.

Launched by Jota González, the young Gustavo Sousa scored the 22nd goal red and would go on to score 3 goals. Efficient in defense, the Benfica achieved the objective and triumphed 31-22.

On the next day of the test, the eagles move to the AA Avanca venue. The duel is scheduled for Saturday, December 13th, at 6:00 pm.

DECLARATIONS

Jota González (Benfica coach): “After the draw we had, it was very important to win again. It was a difficult period for us. I think this victory was based on the first half, where, in my opinion, what made the difference was our defense and Gustavo [Capdeville] in the goal. I think this allowed us to play with more confidence in attack, although there was a lack of fluidity at times. As the minutes progressed, there were changes of players and I think the 7 against 6 also worked well for us. The bad news is that Miguel [Sánchez] he was injured and couldn’t play, and Gabriel Cavalcanti was also injured. The good news is that, little by little, we are recovering Bélone [Moreira]which is not at its best, but is important for us. In the second half, Póvoa AC came out stronger, we lost some balls in attack, which allowed them easy goals on the counterattack. Then we recovered.”

Bélone Moreira (right-back and captain of Benfica): “The result reflects what the game was. We knew it was going to be a difficult game, against a strong, well-prepared team with a good coach. We were strong from the beginning. The end of the first half was also well achieved, as was the beginning of the second. We didn’t relax, we knew it was important to start well in the second half, we prepared the game well and we started seriously. It wasn’t a successful game on our part, because we can do much better, but the potential is in sight. The three points are It’s important for us to look at what we’re doing, correct our mistakes and look to the next games.