Sunday afternoon was full of emotions for Benfica supporters and for... Rafa Silva. In the farewell of Luz to the eagles' jersey 27, who will leave the incarnate club at the end of the season, Roger Schmidt's team decided to show what they had failed to show so many times and thrashed Arouca (5-0), in a match of the 33rd and penultimate round of the I League. 

In a one-way match, Benfica's victory was never in question against an Arouca team that was several levels below the usual performance level presented throughout this season. 

The goals of the afternoon were scored by Ángel Di María, Orkun Kokçu, Rafa Silva, in double dose, and Casper Tengstedt in front of a full house. Let's go through the protagonists. 

The figure

Uncontrollably, Rafa Silva was the great figure of the match and not only for the symbolism of being the farewell to the Estádio da Luz. The Portuguese forward quickly began to give chills to his opponents and would end up scoring two goals, after having refused to take the two great penalties (successfully converted by Di María and Kokçu). 

In addition, and taking into account the 'magic' of the second goal of the personal account, which even deserved a celebration for Pizzi, a former Benfica teammate, Rafa was always a danger on the loose and a real headache for Arouca's defense. Before leaving and being cheered by Luz, he still had time to assist Tengstedt for the last goal of the afternoon. A full-handed performance by Rafa, in keeping with the final result. 

The surprise 

After months of turmoil, Kokçu remains determined to make amends with the fans and once again signed a great performance playing in the position he wanted so much. The Turkish international was always very active in the game and it was he who assisted Rafa Silva's two goals. 

The disappointment

Cristo González had another showcase at Luz to show that he deserves other flights, but he appeared visibly uninspired and became an easy target for the eagles' defense led by Otamendi. He completely missed the game. 

The coaches 

Roger Schmidt 

Without Arthur Cabral and Marcos Leonardo, the German coach opted to play with Rafa Silva as false 9 and saw the team respond categorically to the debacle of the last round. He also promoted the debut of João Rego. 

Despite Benfica's poor season, it is worth remembering that the Eagles did not suffer any defeat in the championship at home: 15 wins and two draws in 17 games. 

Daniel Sousa 

Arouca left a pale image of what they have already shown to be this season. Perhaps resenting the departure of Rafa Mujica, the Arouca team showed difficulties in defending and had no arguments to cause danger in the attack. 

FC Arouca suffered the biggest away defeat in its history in the League 🇵🇹

Biggest defeats of FC Arouca away in the League 🇵🇹:
5-0 Benfica (2023/24)
5-1 Sporting (2013/14)
5-1 FC Porto (2022/23)
4-0 Benfica (2014/15)
4-0 Benfica (2022/23) pic.twitter.com/2oVrpijiuI

— Playmaker (@playmaker_PT) May 12, 2024

The referee 

Fábio Melo had an afternoon with work, but without any incidents that would cause much discussion. In both penalties, he decided promptly and saw VAR agree with him. In the disciplinary matter, he was a little less assertive, exaggerating on one or another occasion. Positive note. 

Leia Também: One by one. Rafa says goodbye to the Luz pitch in an 'emotional farewell' (Portuguese version)