Portuguese giants and back-to-back Primeira Liga champions S.L. Benfica took on the New York Red Bulls, fresh off an impressive Wednesday night victory against Chelsea. This match was yet another stop in the prestigious International Champions Cup.
Supporters of the Portuguese club displayed heavy fan favoritism early in the evening and it did not go unnoticed. Benfica greeted their fans by scoring a seventh minute goal off the foot of Pizzi to put the Lisbon club ahead 1-0 early with much pleasure to its traveling fans, but the early strike were all the Portuguese supporters had to cheer for.
Benfica failed on several attempts to pull ahead of New York by more than one goal in the first half, despite more scoring chances, domination of possession, and control of the game. As in their first match, the Red Bulls used a turnover by the opponent to equalize the game on a goal by Bradley Wright-Phillips at 1-1 on a 33rd minute goal. From a lackluster performance in the firstt half, the Red Bulls found a way to keep themselves within striking distance of securing another three points in the tournament.
They did not lead in shots nor possessions, but the Red Bulls still found themselves on top of another European giant in the 56th minute. New York’s second half substitution Mike Grella scored a remarkable goal on a shot from outside the box to put New York up 2-1 as he awakened supporters of the American club in their home arena.
Down a goal in the latter stages of the match, Benfica subbed in three players including star player Nicolas Gaitan to spark their attack. Benfica manufactured strong scoring chances, but still could not find the back of the net. New Benfica coach Rui Vitoria was still in search of his first victory with his club in his third preseason match.
Several late chances went array as Benfica could not find the game-tying goal, even a free kick just outside the box is saved by a New York defender.
In front of 18,096 fans predominately in support of the Portuguese club, the Red Bulls held on to a 2-1 victory at home and secured another three points in the tournament.
It was déjà vu for both clubs, a dominating performance for Benfica with no victory, and superb finishing for the Red Bulls over their supposedly superior opponents.
