Benfica travelled to the Algarve as they started their defence of the League Cup, which they have won for the past four seasons.
Olhanense were hoping to avenge their 2-0 defeat in Lisbon two weeks earlier but a goal three minutes from time ensured Benfica took all three points in an entertaining encounter. Evando Brandão had given Olhanense the lead shortly after half-time following a blunder from Benfica goalkeeper Paulo Lopes.
The festive Christmas crowd was hoping for an upset as Olhanense endeavoured to overcome a Benfica team that had won nine and drawn one of their previous ten games. Rodrigo equalised for the Eagles midway through the second period in what proved to be a feisty forty-five minutes – Benfica had six players cautioned.
Lima, who had entered the fray shortly after the break, grabbed the late winnerto put the Lisbon side top of Group D. In the other group game Moreirense drew 2-2 with Académica.
In the second round of group games Olhanense drew 0-0 away at Académica whilst Benfica were lucky to escape with a point in the 1-1 draw at Moreirense. These results mean that Benfica and Académica will battle it out to see who qualifies for the semi-finals.
Olhanense play Moreirense in the remaining fixture on Wednesday January 9 kick-off 4pm at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão. Chris Wright
