In a thrilling display of Portuguese football, the 6th matchday of Liga Portugal 2 served up a pulsating encounter between SL Benfica B and SCU Torreense. Hosted at Seixal, the fixture on Saturday saw both teams share the spoils in a dramatic 3-3 draw, a result that felt more like a rollercoaster ride than a straightforward division of points.
First Half: Torreense Establishes a Foothold
The initial phase of the match saw a tactical battle, with neither side willing to commit too heavily in the early exchanges. However, as the first half drew to a close, it was SCU Torreense who broke the deadlock. In the 45+3 minute, a well-orchestrated attack saw Dany Jean deliver a precise cross into the penalty area. Rising above the Benfica B defense, Costinha connected with a powerful header, sending the ball past the goalkeeper and giving the visiting side a crucial advantage just moments before the half-time whistle. This late strike not only lifted Torreense`s spirits but also put pressure on the young Eagles to respond.
Second Half: A Cascade of Goals and Shifting Fortunes
The interval seemed to inject a new urgency into the SL Benfica B squad, and their efforts quickly bore fruit in the second half. Just 13 minutes after the restart, in the 58th minute, Rodrigo Rego found himself in the heart of the box and capitalized on an opportunity, slotting home to level the scores. The home crowd, sensing a shift in momentum, roared its approval.
However, the parity was short-lived. In a rather uncharitable turn for the hosts, SCU Torreense promptly regained their lead. Only three minutes later, in the 61st minute, Kevin Zohi seized upon a defensive error from the Benfica B backline, demonstrating clinical precision to restore Torreense`s advantage. This swift response showcased the visitors` resilience and their ability to punish even the slightest lapse in concentration.
Torreense then looked to put the game beyond doubt. In the 76th minute, a well-executed corner kick provided another chance. Leo Silva rose highest among a cluster of players to power in a header, extending Torreense`s lead to 3-1. At this point, with just over 15 minutes plus stoppage time remaining, the match appeared to be firmly in Torreense`s grasp, leaving Benfica B with a mountain to climb.
Olívio Tomé: The Architect of an Improbable Comeback
But football, as it often does, had more twists in store. The narrative of the match was about to be dramatically rewritten by one individual: Olívio Tomé of SL Benfica B. With the clock ticking towards the 90th minute, and the hopes of a point seemingly dwindling, Tomé embarked on a remarkable individual run. Weaving through defenders, he unleashed a shot that found the back of the net, reducing the deficit to 3-2. This late goal ignited a flicker of hope, transforming what looked like a consolation into a potential lifeline.
The drama, however, wasn`t over. As the game entered injury time, Benfica B, fueled by Tomé`s earlier strike, pushed for the equalizer with every ounce of their remaining energy. In a moment that will surely be replayed, a well-delivered cross from Leandro Santos found Olívio Tomé once more. With a second decisive header, Tomé sent the ball flying past the Torreense goalkeeper, completing an astonishing comeback and leveling the scores at 3-3. The eruption from the Seixal faithful was a testament to the sheer unlikeliness and magnitude of this late turnaround.
Aftermath and League Implications
The final whistle confirmed the 3-3 stalemate, a result that left both sets of players with a mix of emotions. For SL Benfica B, securing a point after being two goals down so late in the game felt like a victory, even if it meant they now sit 16th in the table with 4 points. The hero of the hour, Olívio Tomé, was deservingly named the Liga Portugal 2 Meu Super Man of the Match for his two crucial goals.
For SCU Torreense, the draw was undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow. Having held a commanding two-goal lead so deep into the match, dropping two points will sting. Despite this, they remain in a respectable 6th position with 8 points, a solid start to their campaign. This thrilling encounter served as a potent reminder of football`s unpredictable nature, where matches are truly decided only at the very last second. While Benfica B demonstrated immense character, both teams will surely review the defensive aspects that contributed to such a high-scoring affair.
