Transmontanos deserved more

The “Valentes Transmontanos” dropped two points at home to Benfica B and didn’t start the competition on the right foot.

With temperatures soaring, the Trás-os-Montes side started the match well, with Wellington (2) having the first real opportunity, following a pass from Ktatau, but his shot went just wide. Benfica, on their first approach to Vozinha's box, were awarded a penalty thanks to a handball by captain Carraça, which Gonçalo Moreira converted into a goal.

The Flavians maintained their high pace and pushed Benfica B back into defense. A free kick from Carraça (18) forced Diogo Ferreira to save for a corner.

After much insistence, the Transmontanos scored through Reinaldo, who finished in front of the Reds' goalkeeper after an excellent play between Carraça and Tiago Almeida, with the latter isolating the Brazilian who made no mistake.

Filipe Martins' men continued to play in their attacking half, with Aaron Romero (26) having an excellent opportunity. However, it was Carraça (30) who came close to turning the game around with a powerful shot from the edge of the box that hit the post of Benfica B's goal. On the rebound, Ktatau was denied by a Benfica defender.

After the water break, the Flavians continued to dominate the match, but lacking the rhythm they'd displayed previously. The best they could muster were two headers from Roberto that frightened goalkeeper Diogo Ferreira.

In the second half, the game slowed down due to the heat and the many stoppages, but the Transmontanos team was always in control, although Benfica B performed better, with more control of the ball.

Newly substituted Rúben Pina (62) found himself alone and wasted a huge opportunity, shooting over the bar. The same player then missed the target again when he failed to make the best possible contact with a cross from Paulo Vítor (68).

Benfica B only threatened the Flaviense goal in the 90th minute with a long pass behind their defense, but Vozinha controlled the depth well. This is a draw that penalizes the Trás-os-Montes team for their lack of efficiency.

Referee Fábio Melo's decision was not free from errors, but he did not influence the result.

COMMENTS

FILIPE MARTINS, CHAVES COACH "We started well, but Benfica scored on the first attempt. We responded well after the goal. We always did what we planned. The second half was different, a game with many interruptions. We lost two points, but if we continue with this approach, we'll win many more."

NÉLSON VERÍSSIMO, COACH OF BENFICA B "We expected a difficult game, hampered by the heat. Chaves is a team that aims for the top spots. In the first half, Chaves created more dangerous situations. In the second half, we had the merit of knowing how to defend. For a first game, we responded positively."

EMPHASIS

TIAGO ALMEIDA – PROMISES After being underused last season, the young full-back emerged as a starter and demonstrated his potential to be one of the tournament's revelations. Very active on his flank, making interior runs that Carraça capitalized on, he was always a high-rotation player. He assisted Reinaldo on the goal for Flaviense.

TECHNICAL SHEET

Engineer Manuel Branco Teixeira Municipal Stadium, in Chaves Referee: Fabio Melo (AF Porto) Assistants: André Costa and Daniel Santos

KEYS: Vozinha, Carraça, Bruno Rodrigues, Zach, Tiago Almeida, Ktatau (Pelágio, 68', Roan Wilson, 83'), Pedro Pinho, Aarón, Reinaldo (Rúben Pina, 58'), Roberto (Milovanovic, 83') and Wellington (Paulo Victor, 68') Coach: Filipe Martins

BENFICA B: Diogo Ferreira, Banjaqui, Rui Silva, João Fonseca (Leandro Martins, 78'), Parente, Tomás Cruz, Gonçalo Moreira (Miguel Figueiredo, 78'), Tiago Freitas (Martim Ferreira, 61'), Bernardes (Eduardo Fernandes, 68'), Melro (Francisco Silva, 61') and Ivan Lima Coach: Nelson Veríssimo

At half-time: 1-1 Scorers: Gonçalo Moreira (5' gp) and Reinaldo (20') Yellow cards: Zach (4'), Diogo Ferreira (31'), Roberto (46'), Melro (49', 88'), Bernardes (63') and Tiago Almeida (84') Red card: Blackbird (88')

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