Benfica beat Academica on Saturday 3 to 1.  This was a very important win before Benfica hosts AC Milan for Champions League play, and then Porto the Portuguese League leader.

The game wasn´t as easy as the final score might suggest, and Academica actually scored first.  Benfica was able to tie the game early but the other goals were late in coming.  The second goal, a great goal by Luisão, came with only 4 minutes left in the game, and after regular time had ended, Freddy Adu would score his “usual” goal.  Freddy Adu is now Benfica´s best scorer in all competitions combined.  And he hasn´t even seen much playing time!

Benfica really needed this win.  As far as Portuguese League play, it was of extreme importance for Benfica to keep Porto close before the big game next Saturday.  With a win against Porto, Benfica can move to only one point of Porto, and the top spot is within reach.  This is impressive since Benfica had already been 8 points out.

This was also a moralizing win for Benfica and will give us a needed boast for the deciding Champions League game against AC Milan on Wednesday.

As expected Petit saw some playing time and is ready for the big games that follow.  David Luiz also returned to the team and played a good game, always trying to push the team up court.

There are two big games this week, lets see if Saturday night we are in a mood to go “clubbing”