The Eagles added another scalp to the list of teams who have failed to win in a Premier Liga game at the Estádio da Luz going back to 2009. It was not a happy occasion for the visiting Olhanense supporters. As well as losing the game 2-0 to goals from Cardozo and Luisão, the Olhanense fans deserved more respect from one of Europe’s top clubs.
On a very wet evening, those arriving for the game were treated with minimal regard. The roof of the stadium, in the area allocated to away fans, leaked like a sieve whilst some unused areas were in the dry. To add insult to injury all umbrellas were confiscated and thrown in a skip with no opportunity to retrieve them afterwards.
A wire mesh security screen had been installed in part of the stadium which made it impossible for the visiting fans to see the game clearly. Male fans received a cursory frisking whilst women had to undergo a thorough search of every last item in their pockets and handbags.
Yet during the game flares and fire crackers were set off by the home fans. Under Article 35 of the UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations, which came into force this season, all premier league clubs must provide a Supporter Liaison Officer responsible for the welfare of fans.
When contacted earlier this week, Benfica had no knowledge of this requirement and dismissed the concerns out-of-hand.
Michel Platini, the President of UEFA, has clearly stated that: “The supporters are the lifeblood of professional football – they are the identity of the clubs. Owners, coaches and players change but supporters always remain.” So let us hope that Michel Platini and his colleagues study their own regulations and respond to the letter that is on its way … but I won’t hold my breath!
Back on the pitch, Olhanense went one down when Vasco Fernandes committed an obvious foul on Maxi Pereira in the box and Cardozo made no mistake from the penalty spot. It continued one-way traffic until half-time, but after the break Olhanense at last mustered a goal attempt as David Silva brought an excellent save out of Artur.
The Algarve outfit never truly looked like they had the capacity to fight for the points though, and Benfica were soon creating more chances as they stepped on the gas once more.
A Garay header gave Bracali the opportunity to shine in the Olhanense goal, as the keeper produced a spectacular fingertip save to deflect the ball over the bar. It would be Garay’s centre-back partner Luisão who doubled Benfica’s lead heading in direct from an Enzo Peréz corner. Porto and Benfica are now nine points clear of third place Braga at the top of the table. Chris Wright
