Nicolás Otamendi scored for Benfica in their 2-1 away victory over Estoril on matchday 32 of the Primeira Liga.
With Benfica leading by one in the 35th minute, Argentine center back Nicolás Otamendi received a cross from a free kick on the right side of the field, rose above the goalkeeper, and headed it in to make it 2-0 for his team.
With this win, Benfica remain top of the league with two matches left to play, holding a three-point lead over second-place Sporting, who are close behind having played one game less.
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If copa 24 was anything to go by then a cuti-Licha (if he recovers his form post injury) partnership is the most likely outcome with Otamendi serving as a backup. Balerdi has been doing well with Marseille and if they end up with CL next season then maybe he’ll have a chance to stand out if he performs.
I have to give Otamendi his due, the man continues to perform at a high level with no signs of slowing down and while I don’t find him to be defensively reliable enough to start I’m not averse to him being a backup.
Only few months remained for the young CBs who need to step up as Ota is not showing any sign of aging neither is he slowinng down yet. As Romero has cemented his place already,thier chemistry will likely be there in the upcoming WC too. Afterall, having a veteran defender is a plus. While time is ruining against Ballerdi, Medina, Perez and an injury prone Lisandro Martinez, Foyth’s resurrection would the the only plus so far.