Di Maria ‘the one’ as Benfica win Portuguese Super Cup 

Angel Di Maria kept his knack of scoring goals in crucial matches intact as Benfica on Wednesday defeated bitter rivals Porto 2-0 to claim the Portuguese Super Cup for the ninth time.  

The former Real Madrid, Manchester United, PSG, Juventus star has been an unsung hero wherever played, but the lanky 35-year-old has, time and again, proven that he is the player for the big occasions -- as evidenced by his four goals that helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup and three other titles: 2008 Olympics final 2021 Copa America final, 2022 Finalissima.

On the night at the Estadio Municipal de Aveiro, a 61st-minute strike from Di Maria helped break the deadlock. After receiving the ball on the run, he swiftly curled the ball into the bottom corner of the far post to leave the Porto goalkeeper dejected.

Photo: AFP

Seven minutes later, the game was put to bed by Croatia import Petar Musa. Di Maria received a fitting standing ovation from Benfica fans as he was substituted during extra time with scores at 2-0.

Porto ended the game with 10 men after a red card for Pepe while they also had a late goal from Galeno ruled out.

Benfica captain Nicolas Otamendi praised his compatriot after match, saying he is "the one with important goals".