The least I can say about the Benfica win against Maritimo on Sunday was that it was a character building win. SL Benfica didn´t have the luck of the game, but did work very hard, and was rewarded in the end.

It was expected to be a difficult game, and an important one for both teams. Things started off rough for Benfica with a very early goal by Maritimo at the 8 minute mark. Quim, who had his worst game since coming to Benfica,  did not looking good in this goal. Benfica was able to tie on a penalty kick by Cardozo, but the game was still mostly Maritimo.  At the 30 minute mark Quim would commit a penalty and see a red card. With substitute goalie Butt in the game, Maritimo would miss the penalty kick, but Benfica would end up playing the rest of the game, or over 60 minutes, with less one player.

In the second half Benfica tried to control the game more, and was able to regain ball possession, but without ever being very dangerous offensively. With time running out, and Maritimo clearly working for a tie, Camacho put in Freddy Adu with 8 minutes left.

Freddy Adu would score the game winner with only three minutes left on a great play by Leo. While Freddy Adu hasn´t been getting much playing time, but his influence on the team has been growing, and he has taken advantage of his opportunities.

This win was a team effort, with no one  playing especially well. With the win Benfica moved into second place in the Portuguese League, but with Porto 8 points ahead. For now Benfica can only worry about winning its games and hope that Porto will lose some points.

Benfica will play again on Wednesday against Setubal for the second leg of the Carlsberg Cup game.