Sporting Benfica Final Play-Off Game 2

O Benfica lost to Sporting, 3-2, on the afternoon of this Thursday, April 25th, in game 2 of the final play-off of the National Championship. Once the tie is tied (1-1), the match will follow in Luz, at 6:30 pm on Sunday, the 28th.

At an advantage in play-offafter triumph (3-1) in Luz, a new derby in this best-of-five series, with Benfica entering with the objective clearly in mind: take another step towards the fifth championship.

For the game, like the previous one, Marcel Matz chose Pablo Natan, Pearson Eshenko, Felipe Banderó, Lucas França, Tiago Violas, Japa and Ivo Casas in initial training.

At the João Rocha Pavilion, the 1st set had a balanced start, with successive draws and alternations in command of the marker. Without large punctual fluctuations, the The biggest rise was seen after 10-11, and belonged to the red side. With a very strong shot, Pablo Natan dilated (10-12) and, in the next move, the Pearson Eshenko and Japa’s block opened doors to 10-13at which point João Coelho, Leonine coach, asked for a time-out.

Driven by the good moment, the Benfica extended the lead to 11-15The greatest distance reached at the meeting so far. To the inferiority, Sporting responded with a 3-0 partial, putting the score in 14-15. On a more equal note, the score mirrored new equality to 17-17pointing out, at the end, defeat of the eagles, 25-22 (1-0 in the game).

Leveraged by the advantage in the match, the home team entered the match better 2nd set and didn’t move out of the way billboard. Despite initial approximations (3-2 and 4-3), the eagles showed pressure and, in a phase of lower successwere unable to balance the accounts, leaving disadvantage by six points (13-7).

It was difficult, but not impossible and, gradually, the reds shortened distances (13-10). Good recovery for those led by Marcel Matz, galvanized by the reply given, “shooting” near the net and leveling the fight (16-16)!

In a final bout of great uncertainty (22-2; 23-22; 24-23), Benfica conceded another defeat, for 25-23 (2-0 in the game).

To the eagles started the 3rd set with a partial 0-3 and, in command of the marker, they gained the advantage for 2-7. Over the game, Benfica maintained margin of five points away up to 10-13.

After the loss, Sporting gained ground and made the 12-14. To the emotions were reserved for the decisive stretchwith a tie 22-22 and 23-23. Incisors, the The Reds closed the set with a 23-25 ​​triumph, 2-1 in the game.

In the image of what the meeting had been like up until then, a balanced start and, losing by 9-6, Benfica, with a 0-4 partial, took command of the score (9-10). Minimal superiority, but important on a soul level and to force the black girl.

It was necessary to control emotions, play with head and show the race and ambition that characterize this team, four-time national champions. To win by 14-17the eagles saw the lions touch 18-19 and take the lead to 23-22. Great response from Benfica – and what a recovery! –, sealing the triumph in the 4th set, 23-25.

The sporting bloc made a difference in the start of the black (3-0), but the reds did not lower their arms It is, driven by the Benfica fans present, reacted (5-4). Consistency ended up being decisive, and, in the end, Benfica were defeated by 15-11, 3-2 in the match.

Everything is open and to be decided in the tie, tied at 1-1. Game 3 will take place at Pavilion No. 2 of Luzand is scheduled for 6:30pm on Sunday, April 28.

DECLARATIONS

Marcel Matz (Benfica coach): “We failed to be efficient, the game swung a lot between both sides. The teams knew how to take advantage of the opponent’s less good moments. It was a good game for those who watched, in a series with a lot of people in the pavilions. I left sad, but we showed that we have the ability to play hard here. I want to invite everyone to the game on Sunday [28 de abril]in a long series, but I believe we will win.”

Ivo Casas (Benfica libero): “The teams are asserting the home advantage, which is extremely important. The balance was felt. We recovered from the 2-0 deficit, we equalized, but unfortunately the black fell to Sporting. It’s up to us to do our job in home and win.”