Marítimo 1 - 2 Benfica
- Date - Saturday 18 January 2003
- Time - 21.15 pm (Lisboã Time)
- Venue - Estádio dos Barreiros, Funchal
- Scorers - Hélder 55', Van der Gaag 60', Nuno Gomes 74'
- Referee - Paulo Costa
Benfica had come to Madeira without a win in the last 8 home encounters. Unfortunatly they managed to break the 'curse' with a less than spectacular 2-1. It was a pretty even game, with both sides enjoying good chances. This was supposed to be Gaúcho's last game for Marítimo before heading off to South Korea to play for Samsung Bluewings. Marítimo started to attack early on, but the good passing moves didn't get us very far. Albertino was very dangerous on the right hand side and kept playing crosses into the Benfica penalty box, but these chances failed to materialize. Benfica had a few chances but afer an even first half the scores remained 0-0. The second half started as the first finished, but things started to come to life after the first goal. A cross from the left side by Simão was played into the six yard box. The ball wasn't cleared by the Marítimo defence and substitute goalkeeper Gilmar remained rooted to his line. Hélder reacted first and fired it passed Gilmar. A few minutes later and Benfica gave a free kick away on the left side with Bruno crossing the ball into the penalty box. Mitchell Van der Gaag rose above the rest of the players to score with a powerful header which easily beat Benfica goalkeeper Moreira. Benfica continued to attack and to regain their lead. Debutant Geovanni had a good effort easily saved by Gilmar after a Benfica counter attack. It wasn't until the 75 minute when Portuguese International Nuno Gomes scored a great goal. A conuter attack by Benfica lead to Nuno Gomes receiving a long pass on the edge of the box. He managed to turn past Ezequias and fire a rocket of a shot into the top corner of Gilmars goal, who had no chance of saving it. After this Benfica became more relaxed and fustrated Marítimo by passing the ball around at the back to waste time. Although there was a lack of chances Marítimo played well enough not to lose. As I said before it was a pretty even game and not much seperated the two teams. I would also like to thank and congratulate all Marítimo supporters who attended the game. The atmosphere was great, you kept signing even when Benfica scored (Commitment) and you kept the Benfica fans quiet. I don't recall any singing coming from them!