Fulham Shine to Beat Benfica in Portugal Heat

While pre-season matches are hardly an indicator of the form needed to sustain a successful Premier League campaign, Fulham’s 0-1 win away at Benfica in Portugal gave us signs of what to expect when the season kicks off.

The Portuguese giants proved to be a tough test for Marco Silva’s boys, but a resilient second half after an impressive first period ensured that The Whites were able to lift the ‘Algarve Trophy’.

Silva looked happy, saying that Fulham played with ‘quality and intensity’ in the first half and that the second period was ‘more difficult as we expected that, as the players got tired... but overall, it was a very good pre-season match for us.’

So, let's reflect on what can be learned at this early stage.

From the start, Fulham pressed high up the pitch with energy and purpose, and Benfica struggled to play through with white shirts swarming around them. This tactic should definitely be used again, as players such as Josh King and Muniz harried the defenders as a combination, staying close to each other. Indeed, the front five all pressed admirably and were rarely isolated.

Bernd Leno, who struggled with fitness in the latter stages of last season, looked back to his best. The German goalkeeper was assured and made some spectacular saves as Benfica pushed for an equaliser. Leno is a key component for Fulham, and with him back to his best, the team can feed off the safe pair of hands that protect our goal.

The back four of Tete, Diop, Bassey, and Robinson looked solid and composed, and were rarely troubled in the first half. The two centre-halves played the entire game and both made some vital headers, tackles, and goal-line clearances. Surely these two will start the Premier League season as first choices, even with the imminent arrival of Jorge Cuenca from Villareal.

Returning Fulham favourite Ryan Sessegnon replaced the tiring Robinson and slotted in seamlessly at left-back. It will be interesting to see if Ryan is used primarily in this position or higher up the pitch.

Sasa Lukic, who has been overshadowed by the departed Palhinha, played the defensive midfield position with strength and determination. He made some crunching tackles and important interceptions before tiring and being replaced by the reliable Harrison Reed.

Captain Tom Cairney was composed and constantly found passes to the impressive Iwobi and Adama Traore, who gave the team width and speed in transition. It was Iwobi who finished off a great team goal with a fine low finish reminiscent of his winner away at Man Utd last season. Traore also looked very sharp and caused panic in the Benfica defence. If Fulham can keep him fit, then the right-wing position will have stiff competition with Harry Wilson waiting in the wings.

It was good to see Under-21 star Josh King get a start in the attacking midfield slot. He worked hard and showed some deft touches without finding that killer pass or finish. Youngsters Godo and Pajaziti both made impactful cameos too, and Marco will hopefully give them more playing time in the future.

Striker Muniz ran tirelessly and constantly looked to get behind the backline of Benfica. His speed has improved, and he looked confident and fit. The Fulham faithful will hope his goal-scoring feats will carry on from last season’s impressive tally. Raul Jimenez looked sharp when he came on, especially in the air and holding the ball up. He will offer something different for Marco Silva to use when tactics demand a change.

So, a win in a raucous Benfica stadium was achieved without record signing Emile Smith Rowe. The former Arsenal playmaker was watching from the bench and must have been impressed with much of what he saw.

Fulham looked quick, and the strong performance will make the 24-year-old eager to make his presence felt when he puts on the famous Craven Cottage shirt.

With more signings looking likely (Andre and Scott McTominay are the two on everyone’s lips), Fulham fans can look forward to an exciting season and perhaps dream of Europe and silverware.