Benfica 2-1 Pacos De Ferreira: Franco Jara and Javi Garcia clinch League Cup victory

Posted Sunday, April 24, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Portuguese giants Benfica may have suffered the igmony of seeing their rivals Porto celebrate the league title on the Estadio da Luz pitch but they can console themselves with their third League Cup win in as many seasons.

Benfica took the lead in the 17th minute after excellent work from Fabio Coentrao down the left-hand side. The Bayern Munich target picked the pocket of Baiano before delivering a superb cross to find Franco Jara and the Argentine midfielder headed home from eight yards out.

Pacos De Ferreira were handed a way back into the game just before the half-hour. Maxi Pereira was penalised for wrestling Pizzi to the ground, prompting the referee to produce a yellow card after pointing to the spot. Skipper Manuel Jose stepped up but he saw his effort parried away by Moreira, who flung himself to his right to maintain Benfica's advantage.

The Lisbon giants then doubled their advantage three minutes before the break when the Pacos defence failed to deal with a free-kick. Luisao helped the ball down for Javi Garcia, who eventually managed to get it out from underneath his feet and slot his shot into the corner.

There was a chink of light for Pacos five minutes into the second half after a howler from Brazilian defender Luisao. The experienced campaigner inadvertently helped the ball into his own goal after a lack of communication with Moreira, who had come out of his goal to collect the loose pass.

Despite showing signs of nervousness at the back, Benfica held off a spirited late rally from Pacos to close out the victory.