Rafa Silva returned to playing official minutes for Benfica, one year and eight months later. The 32-year-old winger entered the field in the 72nd minute of the Eagles’ victory against Estrela da Amadora (4-0), replacing Fredrik Aursnes, with whom he played at Luz between 2022 and 2024.
Rafa, who had already been applauded when he was announced over the Estádio da Luz sound system before the kick-off, received an ovation when he stepped onto the Luz pitch in the 73rd minute, but he couldn’t escape some whistles. The reaction of the red court, however, was more positive than negative to the return of the former Besiktas player.
Rafa had last played for Benfica on May 12, 2024, when the Eagles welcomed Arouca (5-0). The former Portuguese international scored twice against Wolves, before receiving a huge farewell ovation from Luz, when he was substituted in the 84th minute.
José Mourinho, at the end of the reception against Estrela, praised Rafa, but warned about the difficulties of the Portuguese winger: «Obviously the conditions are not yet the best, there is some change in speed Rafabut to do this in continuity is not yet possible. He is a player of a higher level, of great quality, with experience of playing with this heavy shirt.”
Rafa started his 327th game with the Eagles’ jersey against Estrela da Amadora. The first took place at the Arouca Municipal Stadium, on September 9, 2016.
