Jobaaj Stories
Benfica's Stun at Estádio da Luz: 2-2 Draw Against Arouca
SL Benfica's title hopes suffered a significant blow on Sunday as they were held to a controversial 2-2 draw by FC Arouca at the Estádio da Luz. The result leaves them level on points with Sporting CP, but behind on goal difference, in a thrilling Primeira Liga title race.
A Rollercoaster Second Half
After a goalless first half where both sides had chances, Orkun Kökçü’s stunning strike broke the deadlock for Benfica in the 60th minute. However, a reckless challenge by Nicolás Otamendi led to a penalty, expertly converted by Yalçin, bringing Arouca level. Vangelis Pavlidis’ 25th goal of the season, a header in the 79th minute, seemed to secure the win for the home side. But in a dramatic twist, Weverson's late goal in the 95th minute stunned the Estádio da Luz, leaving Benfica fans frustrated and their title ambitions hanging in the balance.
Controversy and Outrage
The match sparked national outrage, not just for the result, but for the officiating. Benfica released a strongly worded statement condemning the match officials, claiming a penalty awarded to Arouca was unjust and that a handball in Sporting CP's favour in a separate game was overlooked. This fuelled debate about whether officiating could ultimately decide the Primeira Liga champion this season.
Benfica's Dominance and Arouca's Resilience
Benfica, coming off a 4-1 victory over Porto, were expected to dominate. While they controlled large parts of the game, Arouca proved resilient, showcasing impressive defensive organization and clinical finishing when opportunities arose. Their performance highlights the unpredictable nature of the Primeira Liga and underscores Arouca's ability to compete with the league's top teams.
What's Next?
With just five games left, the title race is tighter than ever. Benfica must quickly regroup and focus on securing victories in their remaining matches. The draw against Arouca serves as a stark reminder that complacency is a dangerous foe in a fiercely contested championship. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the ultimate winner of the 2024-25 Primeira Liga.
Key Match Statistics:
- Final Score: Benfica 2-2 Arouca
- Benfica Goalscorers: Orkun Kökçü, Vangelis Pavlidis
- Arouca Goalscorers: Güven Yalçin (penalty), Weverson
