Sunderland's final pre-season game in Portugal ended in a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Portuguese champions Benfica thus missing out on our first piece of silverware this season, the Albufeira Cup. The lads never really got into the game which Benfica controlled throughout, goals either side of half time sealed the win for the Portuguese side.

The streets throughout Albufeira were jam packed pre-match as fans headed to the Estadio Municipal and not just so they could catch a glimpse of new signing Titus Bramble. Benfica were in town and looked as if the whole of Albufeira had turned Benfica supporters for the night, bit like when Man United play anywhere but Manchester. After having to buy tickets off a bloke with them concealed within his coat we took our seats in the hastily built temporary stand, which no doubt will be on show in Blackpool later in the season.

A sold-out crowd watched Sunderland not put up much of a fight against a Benfica side that saw this as an exhibition match. Bruce made numerous changes to the team that beat Hull re-calling the likes of Richardson, Turner and Colback yet lined-up 4-5-1. A formation that Sunderland never do well with. Benfica dominated throughout and the only real chance we could muster was when Jones almost got on the end of a curling Steed Malbranque cross. Jones limped off after about twenty minutes to be replaced by Waghorn and shortly afterwards Benfica scored through a Oscar Cardozo header six yards out.

Our passing game was not up to scratch with Colback and Henderson losing control with shocking regularity. A half time which saw a marching band was followed by a similar second half. Benfica strolled around waiting for the perfect time to strike whilst we huffed and puffed and got nowhere. Campbell breathed a little life into the team but his partnership with Waghorn never really got going. Benfica sealed the win with a 25 yard effort fifteen minutes from time that Mignolet really should've dealt with.

A disappointing end to the tour and a sign to Bruce that we still need new signings in the form of a new striker, central midfielder, centre back and possibly a more experienced goalkeeper just until Gordon is fit again.

Final Score: Benfica 2-0 Sunderland

ALS Man of the Match: Anton Ferdinand.

Tom Walsh

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