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Benfica and Rio Ave played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday in an early-scheduled 18th-round match of the Liga Placard futsal competition at the Pavilhão Fidelidade in Lisbon, according to Record.
The hosts controlled much of the possession, but missed several key chances after Pany Varela opened the scoring in the sixth minute, Maisfutebol reported. Dinis Ramos later equalized for the Vila do Conde side in the 28th minute.
National team coach Jorge Braz watched from the stands as Benfica pressed early, yielding an opening goal when Varela beat goalkeeper Tiago Sacramento with a left-footed strike, SAPO reported. Record said that the match took place at Pavilhão Fidelidade following an agreement between the clubs to invert the home-fixture factor.
Silvestre Ferreira had an initial powerful shot stopped by Sacramento, while Rio Ave threatened in the eighth and 10th minutes before Léo Gugiel stopped Rúben Freire at the other end.
Benfica Misses Chances Before Dinis Ramos Equalizes
Benfica failed to capitalize on multiple opportunities to extend their lead before halftime. Rúben Góis missed wide when isolated against Sacramento in the 11th minute, while Eduardo Tchuda was denied by a late defensive clearance just before the break, according to SAPO.
Silvestre Ferreira shot into the side netting in the 17th minute following a setup by Varela, after Cigano had missed an equalizer attempt in the 15th minute.
Rio Ave found their footing as the match progressed. In the 28th minute, Martín Dorda crossed from the left flank for Dinis Ramos to finish past Léo Gugiel, tying the game and silencing the home crowd, SAPO reported. Earlier in the second half, Sacramento denied Varela in the 22nd minute and stopped Raul Moreira in the 25th minute following a turnover.
Rio Ave FC conseguiu ☝️ precioso ponto na visita ao SL Benfica 🦅 Vê ou revê os golos do encontro 👆👇⚽#sporttvportugal #FUTSALnaSPORTTV #LigaPlacard #SLBenfica #RioAveFC pic.twitter.com/rwe6o3NdZt
Benfica pushed for a winner after the 28th-minute equalizer, with Anderson missing a major chance in the 32nd minute and Dorda nearly scoring with a backheel that was blocked by Gugiel in the 36th minute.
Rio Ave faced a setback when Bebé was sent off for a foul on Lúcio Rocha, leading to sustained pressure from the hosts. André Coelho had three unsuccessful attempts, Varela was denied by the visiting goalkeeper, and Silvestre Ferreira struck the crossbar in the final seconds.
Rio Ave Holds Eighth Place While Benfica Prepares for Famalicão
Rio Ave occupies eighth place with seven points.
Benfica returns to action on Wednesday at 20:15 local time to host Famalicão, Maisfutebol reported. Rio Ave will travel to face second-placed Leões de Porto Salvo on November 21 at 16:00 local time.
