May 4, 2008 10:30 PM

SOURCE:
goal.com

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Estrela Hold Inefficient Benfica

Estrela da Amadora 0 - 0 SL Benfica

Benfica and Estrela da Amadora have shared the spoils in a poor game which resulted in the Eagles securing their 13th draw in the league...

The two teams came into this game with completely different goals: while Benfica needed all the three points to keep themselves in the race for the second spot, Estrela da Amadora had already avoided relegation and would, therefore, have nothing to fight for, other than pride.

Benfica were missing two of their most influential pieces, Léo and Katsouranis, due to injury and suspension, respectively, and found in Sepsi and Maxi Pereira their replacements.

Both sides started the game on an equal level as none of them really seemed to be able to dominate the other. When Estrela were able to reach Benfica's area, they kept finding many of Benfica's players there and no danger was created.

On 19 minutes, Benfica produced their first chance of the game. Sepsi delivered a cross to Óscar Cardozo down the left, the Paraguayan rose highest in the area but his header went slightly over the bar.

The game was lacking interest as creativity was really low at Estádio José Gomes. Benfica clearly needed Ángel Di María and the Argentine started preparations to play in the second-half.

In the 37th minute, Maxi Pereira combined well in the right flank with Nuno Gomes, who served Cardozo. The Paraguayan fired a powerful shot from almost 25 yards out before seeing the bar deny the goal.

The first-half ended with little chances from both sides, and the fans were surely hoping for a much better showing in the second 45 minutes.

Benfica started the second-half brighter than Estrela, and could have scored in the 54th minute. A corner from the left ended in Luisão's feet, who was unmarked in the area and had everything to score but his effort went over the bar. He could not believe how he missed that one.

Benfica had come out looking strong after the half-time break, but within minutes they had taken their foot back off the gas.

The Eagles would have their best opportunity in the 74th minute. Di María crossed to Mantoras, who fired a shot from 18 yards out that was denied Pedro Alves, and Edcarlos, with only the keeper to beat, could not find the net as his shot went against the custodian.

The game ended with a goalless draw that penalised Benfica for their lack of efficiency. Although it was pretty much a one-way street, the game was really poor and the fans left the stadium disappointed with the display.