Benfica hosted and beat Sporting 3-1, in the fifth round of the roller hockey Champions League, and secured passage to the quarter-finals of the competition in first place in Group B.
In the Luz pavilion, the lions even scored first. After a balanced start, with both goalkeepers shining, João Souto opened the scoring, following a direct free kick in the 20th minute.
The Eagles, who were coming off a 7-1 defeat against FC Porto, reacted immediately. Simão Sabroso and Bruno Coelho were present in the stands and it was from there that they saw Alvarez deflect into the Leonine goal, after a strong shot from Ordonez.
The game was then tied at one goal at half-time and it was midway through the second half that the Reds completed the turnaround. Roberto di Benedetto went out there and shot to make it 2-1 in favor of Benfica.
Alvarez still missed a penalty for the eagles, but shortly afterwards Nuno Resende’s team was entitled to another maximum penalty and this time Nicolia didn’t waste the 3-1.
Victory for Benfica, which now adds 12 points and guarantees first place in Group B of the roller hockey Champions League. Sporting remains, for now, in second place, with eight points and will discuss progress to the next stage with Calafell.