Benfica staged a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Nacional on Saturday, with key substitutes driving a late turnaround despite individual defensive lapses.
The win, secured in stoppage time, was lauded by former player Bruno Aguiar as a “victory of will, desire, and attitude.” Aguiar, however, specifically criticized defender Nicolas Otamendi. He stated Otamendi “cannot make these childish mistakes again.”
Former presidential candidate Bruno Costa Carvalho described the triumph as a “reward for soul and motivation.” He credited substitutes Gianluca Prestianni and Andreas Schjelderup, whose “great entry” completely altered the game’s dynamic.
Costa Carvalho noted Benfica’s “total dominance” throughout the match, despite what he called Nacional’s “constant anti-game” tactics. He added that the team displayed a resilient, fighting spirit.
Sandra Ferreira, daughter of football legend Eusébio, echoed the sentiment of resilience. She stated Nacional had scored “against the run of play” but praised Benfica for not conceding defeat.
Ferreira highlighted Gianluca Prestianni’s “great goal” as crucial for restoring hope to the team and its supporters. She called the match an “exciting comeback.”