Benfica secured a 1-0 victory over Alverca in the league’s 10th round, but João Pinto said the home side struggled to produce their usual creativity against a well-organised defence.
Pinto praised Benfica’s centre-backs and singled out Tomás Araújo. He said the defender stood out not only for his work at the back, but also for attempting forward passes when the midfield options were playing safe and the attackers were waiting for the ball.
He named Schjelderup as Benfica’s least effective player, noting that the winger was unable to consistently trouble the opposing full-back and was substituted at half-time. Pinto also acknowledged Schjelderup’s defensive responsibilities, including limiting Chiquinho’s space.
For Alverca, Pinto chose Davy Gui as the standout performer. He described the 20-year-old midfielder as positionally disciplined and effective at closing space in front of the defence.
Pinto said Benfica’s performance after taking the lead was particularly underwhelming, while crediting Alverca’s coach with disrupting the hosts’ build-up. He also questioned whether Benfica’s midfield pairing of Palhinha and Aursnes had developed the same connection as the combination of Palhinha and Leandro Barreiro.
Sources: Observador.