The Benfica's 4-0 rout against Moreirense confirmed the excellent form of Marco Silva's team. However, the spotlight falls on João Palhinha, the Portuguese international who is meeting expectations and establishing himself as one of Benfica's main weapons in defensive balance.
Before the arrival of the number 36, the eagles had conceded eight goals in practically every game, with the exception of the routs against St. Gallen and Casa Pia. The biggest signs of fragility appeared precisely against the Swiss side and Académico de Viseu.
On the trip to St. Gallen, for the Champions League, Benfica allowed six shots on goal from a total of 17, and recorded 21 opponent actions inside their own area. The match ended with a 2-1 victory, but clearly showed the defensive vulnerability.
Against Académico de Viseu, for the Portuguese Cup, despite only eight shots conceded, four were on target and Viseu's team scored two goals, highlighting the defensive difficulties Benfica were experiencing before Palhinha established himself as a starter.
