Di María Leads Benfica To Victory In League Cup

On an eventful evening of December 22, 2023, Argentine football maestro Ángel Di María conjured a moment of nostalgia for Benfica in their emphatic 4-1 victory over AVS in Group B of the Portuguese League Cup. Di María’s goal, his eighth in twenty outings this season, was a reminiscent echo of his iconic strike against Switzerland during the 2014 World Cup’s round of 16, etching Argentina’s pathway to the subsequent stage.

Benfica’s Resilience Overcomes AVS’s Early Surprise

The match, initially tilted in favor of second-division team AVS, saw a stunning opening goal by Ecuadorian John Mercado. However, Benfica, the reigning Portuguese champion, displayed unwavering resilience. The equalizer, a masterpiece orchestrated by Joao Neves and executed by Di María with a precise left-footed shot, came at the 30-minute mark, flipping the game’s dynamics.

Benfica Seals Victory, Tops Group B

The game’s concluding chapter saw additional goals from Joao Mario, Tiago Gouveia, and an inadvertent netting from AVS’s Anthony Paulo Rodrigues Correia. The cumulative efforts propelled Benfica to the apex of their group tallying six points. Despite their early exit from the Champions League, Benfica currently holds the second position in the Portuguese League and has punched their ticket to the Europa League. Their European journey continues in February, where they will lock horns with Toulouse.

Di María’s Legacy: A Key Player for Club and Country

Ángel Di María, who is on the verge of bidding adieu to the Argentine national team post the upcoming Copa America in the United States, continues to be a vital cog in the wheel for both his club and country. His scoring prowess has been evident in three significant finals: the Copa America against Brazil, the Finalissima against Italy, and the unforgettable goal against France in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.