In a shocking start to the Liga Portuguesa campaign freshly promoted Gil Vicente fought back in front of their home fans to play Lisbon powerhouse Benifca to a 2-2 draw, honours even, at Estadio do Lusitano de Evora.

Jorge Jesus’ side, tipped by many to overtake defending champion Porto following the loss of manager André Villas-Boas to Chelsea, featured new signings Artur between the woodwork, Ezequiel Garay, Emerson and Nolito in the starting eleven, with Belgian international Axel Witsel, formerly of Standard Liège and Enzo Pérez waiting in the wings.

Though without scoring sensation Óscar Cardozo, Benfica wasted little time in going in front as coming at the eighth minute Nolito, fresh from Barcelona was played through on the left channel and immediately sent the ball to the low, opposite corner of the net. After goalkeeper Artur was tested by Luis Carlos, Javier Saviola doubled Benfica’s margin at the twentieth minute as he pushed the ball out to Franco Jara on the right channel before surging forward and from close range redirecting a low cross into the net. However the hosts would not be deterred and eight minutes shy of the break Hugo Vieira latched onto a deflected right wing cross at the back post and immediately volleyed the ball to the roof the net. The hosts narrowly missed levelling in added time before the break but Luis Carlos booming drive from the right side of the area was stopped by Benfica ‘keeper Artur.

At the restart the Benfica tactician called upon Axel Witsel for Pablo Aimar in his debut for Águias as his side went in search of more attacking venom. Following a squandered chance by the visitors, recent signing Enzo Pérez from Estudiantes entered for Nicolas Gaitán but it Gil Vincent that would strike next. With sixteen minutes remaining, Laionel delivered an effort five metres outside the area beyond the outreached reach of Artur to the far right post. Buoyed with confidence the hosts pressed for the winning margin but the match concluded within further incident as a 2-2 draw, honours even.

Prepared by John Davies
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