Benfica kick off Portuguese League Cup flat

Benfica kicked off their group stage game in the League Cup or as it is better known in Portugal the Taca da Liga against Guimaraes today in what was very dull game at the Estadio da Luz. Benfica and Guimaraes ended they same way that the game begun with zeros on the scoreboard. Benfica started 8 different faces from the squad that defeated Moreirense over the weekend, with Zlobin, Tomas Tavares, Nuno Tavares, Jardel, Samaris, Gedson, Jota and Caio Lucas joining Taarabt, Ruben Dias and Seferovic in the starting eleven. 

Benfica seemed to be content in taking the opportunity to rest some of their regular faces and all the new faces came out flat in the first half, if not for the post in the first half foiling striker Bonatini strike, the Eagles could have found themselves down one. The second half saw a more aggressive Benfica squad and the entries of Rafa Silva and Gabriel, the latter's first appearance since suffering an injury in the season opening added a more intense and pressing game that was lacking. Benfica though could not find a way past Guimaraes' stingy defense and both squads seemed happy to end the game with a scoreless draw. Next up for Benfica is a home game against Setubal on Saturday.