It was seen as something of a ‘David versus Goliath’ clash, but in the end ‘David’ won.
Moreirense celebrated an exceptional upset victory (3-1), their first ever, against seven-time League Cup champions Benfica at Estádio do Algarve yesterday and will be playing S.C. Braga in the competition’s final on Sunday (January 29).
Most ‘Eagles’ fans thought reaching the final was certain after Eduardo Salvio scored Benfica’s opening goal just six minutes in, but a solid Moreirense team was able to keep the single-goal deficit until halftime.
A few seconds into the second half, substitute Dramé was at the finishing end of a deadly counterattack that saw Moreirense levelling the scoreboard.
It was the turning point for the Minho-based team, which scored the go-ahead goal at the 54th minute with a powerful strike by Emmanuel Boateng.
Rui Vitória’s team pressed on in search of an equaliser, but once again it was Moreirense that increased its lead with another quick counterattack concluded by match ‘MVP’ Boateng.
With its ‘surprise’ 3-1 win, Moreirense has reached the League Cup final for the first time and will be hoping to continue making history by beating Braga, winner of the competition in 2013, when the two sides meet at Estádio do Algarve at 8.45pm on Sunday.
