Benfica got the better of the roller hockey classic by beating Sporting 6-1, this Saturday, guaranteeing their presence in the final of the Elite Cup, the sport’s first competition of the season.
In a very divided and intense first half, João Rodrigues, the Reds’ reinforcement for this season, opened the scoring in Odivelas, in the 23rd minute. Still, the lions managed to equalize after half an hour, through Facundo Bridge.
However, in the next minute, Sporting had ten fouls and Pau Bargalló, with a free kick, beat Ângelo Girão and put the Red team in front again.
In the final stretch, with Edo Bosch’s men launched into the attack, Benfica decided the outcome of the match.
In the 40th minute, Gonçalo Pinto increased the Eagles’ advantage and, six minutes later, Nil Roca practically dashed Sporting’s hopes.
Two minutes from the end, Pau Bargalló, another notable signing from Barcelona, scored twice in the match. In the final seconds, the Spanish striker completed the hat trick and left good indications for the season.
Benfica will face Oliveirense in the final, scheduled for 6pm this Sunday. Oliveira de Azeméis’ team, now led by Nuno Resende, former Eagles coach, eliminated FC Porto in the other semi-final.
Winner of the Elite Cup last season, Benfica will try to contradict history and be the first two-time champion of the competition.
