Some 12,000 Benfica fans turned up to watch their team demolish English Championship side Hull City at the Algarve Stadium last weekend. But the reigning Primeira Liga champions were in for a shock as they lost 1-0 to an outstanding strike by Hull youngster Jarrod Bowen.
The 20 year-old had scored a skilful winner against Bristol Rovers four nights earlier in Albufeira but his strike against the Eagles was pure class as his exquisitely curled shot found the back of the net fifteen minutes into the second period.
As well as a vociferous and happy group of Hull City fans, a party of youngsters from Estima Sports Football Academy in the west Algarve enjoyed the special occasion.
Estima’s philosophy is to promote teamwork and respect before winning and celebrating and there was no doubt that the Hull City fans had taken this concept on board as well.
At the start of the second-half when it was announced that Willock, signed by Benfica from Arsenal a month ago, would be making his debut, the Hull faithful effusively celebrated as if he were one of their own and to his credit the England U19 international graciously made a point of acknowledging the applause.
Hull City skipper Michael Dawson was sent off with thirteen minutes to go following a late tackle, harshly deemed to be a professional foul by referee Nuno Almeida, but the ten men held out to record a famous victory.
