Sunday brought more heartache to the Benfica B squad. Playing at home in Seixal, they fell 2-0 to Penafiel in the seventh round of the 2nd League. This defeat extends Benfica B’s tough spell, keeping them deep in the relegation zone. It was a day where their efforts simply didn’t turn into results.
The match stayed scoreless for a long time. Benfica B started strong, controlling the ball and creating more chances in the first half. They really wanted their first win of the season. At the 27-minute mark, Gonçalo Moreira had their best opportunity with a header. Penafiel’s goalkeeper, Joan Femenías, made a crucial save to keep the game tied at zero. Penafiel had to work hard to get through that early pressure.
The script flipped completely after halftime. Penafiel showed their intent right away. Just one minute into the second half, at 46 minutes, Gonçalo Negrão made a strong run down the right side and fired a shot. Benfica B’s goalkeeper, Ricardo Ribeiro, was alert and made the stop. But Ribeiro couldn’t hold off Penafiel much longer. The visitors found their breakthrough at the 70-minute mark.
A costly mistake led to Penafiel’s opening goal. Benfica B’s defender, Tiago Parente, committed a penalty. The referee had shown him two yellow cards in just four minutes, which meant he was sent off at 67 minutes. Down to ten men, Benfica B watched as Reko calmly stepped up and converted the penalty kick. It was a tough blow for the home side.
Just a few minutes later, the game was effectively sealed. At 74 minutes, with Benfica B still reeling and a man short, Raúl Alcaina struck. He finished a good play, set up by Pedro Alves, to make it 2-0 for Penafiel. Benfica B tried to fight back, creating some opportunities, but the score remained the same until the final whistle.
This victory helps Penafiel move up the league table. They now have eight points and sit in 12th place. For Benfica B, the picture is grim. They are 17th, second to last, with only four points. They sit one point behind Paços de Ferreira, who are in 16th and just outside the relegation spots. The struggle to climb out of danger continues for the young Benfica team.
Match Details
The game took place at Benfica Campus, in Seixal.
- Final Score: Benfica B 0, Penafiel 2
- Halftime Score: 0-0
Scorers:
- 0-1, Reko, 70 minutes (penalty kick)
- 0-2, Raúl Alcaina, 74 minutes
Teams:
**- Benfica B:** Ricardo Ribeiro, Leandro Santos, Ndembi (Tiago Freitas, 85), Rui Silva, Tiago Parente, Tomás Cruz, Gonçalo Moreira (José Melro, 76), Diogo Prioste, Rodrigo Rêgo (Francisco Silva, 61), Jelani Trevisan (Bernardes, 61), and Olívio Tomé (Eduardo Fernandes, 61).
*Substitutes:* Gonçalo Sobral, Kevin Pinto, Martim Ferreira, Miguel Figueiredo, Tiago Freitas, Bernardes, Eduardo Fernandes, Francisco Silva, and José Melro.
*Coach:* Nélson Veríssimo.
**- Penafiel:** Joan Femenías, Francisco Ferreira, João Miguel, Cláudio Silva, Gonçalo Negrão (Davo, 60), Reko, Rúben Alves (Ibrahima Kébé, 76), Pedro Sá (Meireles Injai, 86), Bruno Pereira, Raúl Alcaina (Pedro Vieira, 76), and Álvaro Santos (Jota Silva, 86).
*Substitutes:* Manuel Baldé, Gustavo Fernandes, Teddy Alloh, Meireles Injai, Ibrahima Kébé, Pedro Vieira, Joseph Séry, Davo, and Jota Silva.
*Coach:* José Manuel Aira.
Officials and Discipline:
**Referee:** Carlos Macedo (Braga FA).
**Disciplinary Action:** Yellow cards were shown to Ndembi (1st minute), Leandro Santos (39th), Raúl Alcaina (42nd), Olívio Tomé (50th), and Tiago Parente (64th and 67th). Tiago Parente received a red card at 67 minutes for accumulating two yellow cards.
**Attendance:** Around 500 spectators.