For SL Benfica, nothing less than a win would do against Auckland City FC in their second match at the FIFA Club World Cup™. There was no room for error, yet in the opening stages, the Portuguese side struggled to break through the Auckland City FC defence, despite the presence of Angel Di Maria. Still as sharp as ever, he demanded the ball, dictated the play, and lit up the pitch, just as he has done his whole career.
And when it looked like things were getting tough for Benfica there was no man better to break the deadlock. In the closing minutes of the first half, his side won a penalty and Fideo made no mistake. Ice-cool from the spot, he gave the Portuguese side the lead, lifting the weight that had started to settle on their shoulders. His fiery, defiant celebration said it all.
When the second half got underway, following a lengthy delay caused by a storm in Orlando, Benfica came out a different side. Pavlidis, Sanches, a double from Leandro Barreiro, and a second penalty from Di Maria sealed a 6-0 win over Auckland City. The margin of victory could prove crucial in the race for a place in the round of 16, should things come down to goal difference.
The Argentine star, one of the standout names at the tournament, stressed post-match how important it was to deliver a convincing win against the New Zealanders. “Winning was crucial, even if the first half wasn’t our best. Being named Player of the Match is always an honour, but what really matters is that we won. I said after the match against Boca that this was a key game, just like the one against Bayern will be. The important thing today was picking up the three points and staying on track for the round of 16.”
Di Maria’s thoughts then turned to Argentina’s fans, who he said reminded him a lot of the Benfica faithful. “The affection Argentine fans show us means a lot. They follow us wherever we go.” It’s the same with Benfica – their fans are everywhere. No matter where we play, the stands are always full.
“The support of the Portuguese never wavers – they’re just as loyal as the Argentina fans. With all that we’ve achieved recently, they’ve been behind us all the way and that kind of support means the world.”
Fuelled by that passion from the fans, Di Maria once again rose to the occasion in Orlando. And he gave them all something to remember.
