Benfica returned to winning ways in the league on Sunday night, with a triumph over Moreirense (3-0), in a match of the 29th round. At a time when Sporting seems increasingly launched towards the conquest of the champion title, Roger Schmidt chose to manage the team and presented a very alternative starting eleven thinking... about the Europa League. 

The response of the players, who are usually in the shadows, was categorical and the result ended up reflecting the difference between the two teams. Orkun Kokçu (18'), Tomás Araújo (45'+1) and Rollheiser (78') were the authors of the goals at Luz, also worth reaching 70 points after 29 rounds. 

It is true that the gap to the leader Sporting can increase from four to seven points tomorrow, Tuesday, if the Lions win in Famalicão, but it is also true that the eagles extended the point advantage to 11 over FC Porto. 

Benfica returns to victories against Moreirense, after the biggest fast of triumphs against the Minhotos (3 consecutive draws). pic.twitter.com/KRSUdgRakB

— Playmaker (@playmaker_PT) April 14, 2024

Let's go to the protagonists of last night. 

The figure 

Tiago Gouveia proved once again that he is an excellent option for Roger Schmidt to use more frequently. The young man assisted for the first and third goals and was always one of the agitators on duty. 

In addition to the creativity he adds to the attacking front, Gouveia also helped when it came to defending, appearing several times in more backward areas to support Álvaro Carreras. 

The surprise

Carreras was also one of the players who made the best of the rare opportunity granted by Roger Schmidt. The Spanish full-back appeared on the field visibly confident and was able to deal with both defensive and offensive moments.

In the first, he even tried his luck, trying the goal, with a powerful shot with.... his right foot! A very competent display that justifies more minutes until the end of the season. 

The disappointment 

Vinicius Mingotti wore the Moreirense jersey for the 11th time and once again showed... dry powder. He is slow to justify the signing and to make people forget André Luís, sold in January to the Chinese of Shanghai Shenhua, and yesterday he was easy prey for the Benfica centre-backs, who did not even have great routines. He left, unsurprisingly, at 56 minutes, to make way for Nlavo. 

The coaches

Roger Schmidt 

The Benfica coach is not a particular fan of rotating the team, but he surprised by operating eight changes last night, two of which were forced. Even so, and as a result of the important European tie with Marseille, Schmidt decided to take a risk and saw the team give him a basket response, especially from those who do not always play. Note also the fact that he promoted a triple substitution at half-time. 

Rui Borges

Moreirense disappointed in the visit to Luz, and only in the first half did they manage to expose some of the good football they have been showing throughout the season. In the second half, the team from Cónega lost their brilliance and were unable to gather arguments to relaunch the match. 

The referee 

Hélder Carvalho was heavily contested by Moreirense, who complained of irregularities in Benfica's first two goals. The referee did not have a quiet night at Luz and accumulated some questionable decisions.

Leia Também: Roger Schmidt justifies changes: "Three demanding games in ten days..." (Portuguese version)