A lesser-favored Real side delivered a significant upset by handing Benfica its first defeat of the season in the national youth league, winning 2-1.
The surprising loss ended Benfica’s undefeated streak and prevented the Lisbon giants from capitalizing on a rival’s slip-up. Benfica now remains two points behind the league leader in the youth competition.
The match, held in Seixal, saw Benfica initially take control. Bernardo Nunes opened the scoring with a header in the eighth minute.
Despite Benfica’s early lead, the Real team from Massamá grew into the game. Jayleen Jones converted a penalty just before halftime, equalizing the score in the 45th minute.
Benfica coach Pedro Faria made three substitutions at the restart to inject more aggression. However, these changes failed to shift the momentum of the game.
Benfica nearly regained the lead in the 61st minute when Afonso Ferreirinha struck the post after a combination play. But as the clock ran down and nervousness mounted for Benfica, Real seized its chance.
Chasqueira scored Real’s winning goal just two minutes after coming on as a substitute. The late strike secured a crucial victory for Real and tightened the top of the league standings.