SL Benfica defeated SC Braga 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at the Estadio da Luz, preserving Benfica’s winning run with Jorge Jesus back at the helm.
Carlos Vinicius was the man to score both of Benfica’s goals, continuing from where he left off last season as he again proved to have a keen eye for goal.
However, it was Braga that took the lead first, Paulinho continuing to prove that last season’s outstanding campaign wasn’t just a fluke, again getting on the scoresheet for Braga. His goal came in the 30th minute when ex-Benfica star Nico Gaitan, a Braga summer signing, putting it on a plate for the Portuguese striker.
Nevertheless, Benfica managed to turn it around, with Brazilian Vinicius scoring his first ten minutes after half time, picking up the ball on the edge of the box before using his strength and tenacity to get back into the box and slot into the back of the net, while he secured his brace with a 93rd minute goal, capitalising on a defensive error before rounding the keeper.
Benfica’s win came despite Benfica being down to ten men for the final 20 minutes, with Adel Taarabt sent off.