In an intense League Cup showdown on December 21, 2023, the home team, SL Benfica, pulled a resounding victory over AFS Vila das Aves, 4-1. It was a game with its highs and lows, but overall, the statistical factors suggest a commanding performance from Benfica, largely facilitated by their superior offensive prowess and tight defence.

Early into the game, an initial goal from Vila das Aves at the 20th minute could not contain Benfica's aggressive fightback. They swiftly responded with two goals in the first half at the 31st and 43rd minutes respectively, turning the tide of the match in their favour. Their resilience persisted into the second half with two more goals netted in quick succession at the 64th and 67th minutes.

The high number of goals from Benfica could be attributed to their firm handle on the offensive side of the game, as suggested by their eight corner kicks compared to Aves' six. This implies that Benfica had more prominent control on the attacking third of the field, resulting in more scoring opportunities that allowed them to secure the victory.

On the other hand, discipline seemed to have been a significant challenge for AFS Vila das Aves, as they racked up a whopping five yellow cards, significantly higher than Benfica's single yellow card. This series of infractions could have disrupted Vila das Aves' game momentum, giving Benfica the upper hand in the game.

Also worth noting was the relative frequency of offside calls. Although neither team was free from this, with Vila das Aves being flagged three times for being offside and Benfica once, it should be noted that these instances can disrupt the smooth flow of a team’s offensive manoeuvres, potentially costing them goal opportunities.

Although the numbers of fouls committed by the two teams were fairly on par, Vila das Aves' nine fouls in comparison to Benfica's eight, the situation was greatly compounded by the number of yellow cards Vila das Aves received, potentially affecting their aggressiveness and hence their game performance.

Notwithstanding the above, both teams seem to have kept a close eye on their team conduct beyond fouls, a fact underscored by the lack of red cards on either side.

On balance, it was SL Benfica's combination of consistent aggressive attacks and superior discipline that led to their victory against AFS Vila das Aves. Nonetheless, both teams demonstrated commendable determination and tenacity, making it a thrilling match for football bettors and fans alike.

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