The Benfica women’s roller hockey team took a crucial step towards another national title, defeating Turquel 2-1 in the first game of the championship playoffs. Maria Sofia Silva lit up the scoreboard at the Estádio da Luz just six minutes in, setting the tone for a dominant performance. By halftime, Benfica held a slim 1-0 lead, but they weren’t done yet.
In the second half, Marlene Sousa extended Benfica’s advantage to 2-0 after 35 minutes, putting the pressure on Turquel to mount a comeback. Renata Balonas did manage to pull one back for the visitors at the 46-minute mark, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome. Turquel left the Estádio da Luz with their first loss of the finals, while Benfica stayed on track for their 12th consecutive national championship title.
Under the guidance of coach Paulo Almeida, Benfica is chasing a historic double, having already won the Portuguese Cup for the 11th time in a row back in May. On that occasion, they edged out Sanjoanense 2-1, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. With this latest win, Benfica remains in the driver’s seat, poised to add another national title to their impressive trophy collection. The team’s determination and skill will be crucial in the remaining games, as they aim to cement their status as one of the most successful teams in the sport.