In the Primeira Liga match between SL Benfica and SC Farense on the 8th of December 2023, both teams ended up sharing the spoils with a 1-1 draw after the 90-minute encounter.

The scoring was opened by SC Farense with a goal just 50 minutes and 49 seconds into the second half. However, SL Benfica responded with an equalizer 21 minutes later at 71 minutes and 4 seconds into the second half. Notably, the home team applied substantial pressure on Farense, as evidenced by the 15 corner kicks they were allotted throughout the match compared to Farense's modest 3. This suggests that Benfica dominated the opponent's half considerably, forcing them to defend deeply.

However, the teams were evenly matched with respect to other parameters such as offside and fouls. Farense was caught offside twice, whereas Benfica was once. This could hint at the attacking intentions of especially Farense, and their strategy to explore opportunities behind Benfica's defense, but without always avoiding offsides correctly. With almost equivalent numbers of fouls, 10 by Farense and 9 by Benfica, it’s evident that both teams contested the ball robustly.

Nonetheless, the number of yellow cards appears to be one of the defining factors of the match. Farense received three yellow cards, two of which were given in the final 20 minutes, at the 79th minute and 30 seconds, and at 80 minutes and 2 seconds, respectively. This likely affected Farense’s tempo and momentum, potentially limiting their offensive options and forcing them to adopt a more defensive stance so late in the game. On the other hand, Benfica received two yellow cards, both in the second half with a difference of just about 4 minutes and 31 seconds. This might have influenced Benfica's gameplay, forcing them to employ a cautious approach while they were chasing the game.

All these factors combined led to a 1-1 draw in which Benfica’s consistent pressure failed to produce more than one goal, while Farense weathered the storm but was unable to maintain their early lead, possibly due to indiscipline that resulted in receiving three yellow cards.

From a punter’s perspective, this game serves as an indication of the need to consider not just the propensity of teams to score or concede goals, but also the dynamics of the match play such as ball possession, disciplinary records, and how they adjust their tactics throughout the game.

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