In a tightly contested Primeira Liga match on 20 February 2023, SL Benfica emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Boavista at home. The game’s narrative was significantly influenced by Benfica's offensive efficiency, as they managed to convert three of their numerous attacking plays into goals, while Boavista faltered despite having opportunities to equalize.

Benfica’s clinical edge in the second half marked the critical tipping point. The home side dominated in terms of shots on target, frequently testing Boavista’s defence and goalkeeper, leading to their first breakthrough just before the 55-minute mark. This momentum was sustained as Benfica managed to respond promptly to Boavista’s equalizer, showcasing superior concentration and tactical adjustments that overshadowed their opponents.

The disciplinary disparity was stark, with Boavista collecting five yellow cards compared to Benfica’s single warning. This aggressive playstyle hampered Boavista’s fluidity, resulting in interruptions and a lack of cohesive build-up play. The away side’s mounting fouls disrupted their own game rhythm, a factor Benfica exploited by quickly adapting and using well-constructed set-pieces and attacking transitions to mount pressure.

The match saw both teams performing similarly in offside and fouls, with Boavista slightly trailing in corner kicks (8 to 5 in favor of Benfica). However, Benfica's corner kick count underscores their sustained pressure in the attacking third, often pushing Boavista back into defensive scenarios. The home team’s superior teamwork and well-coordinated passing sequences were instrumental in breaking down a weary and card-prone Boavista side, leading to two more decisive goals in the latter stages.

In summary, Benfica’s adeptness in capitalizing on set-pieces, avoiding weaknesses in discipline, and maintaining relentless offensive pressure were key factors in their victory. Boavista’s failure to harness their offensive opportunities, compounded by frequent fouls and a high yellow card count, highlighted a lack of composure and tactical acuity, ultimately contributing to their downfall.

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