What Is 2014 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira

Overview

The 2014 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira was an annual Portuguese football match contested between the winners of the previous season's Primeira Liga and the Taça de Portugal. In this edition, Benfica, champions of the 2013–14 Primeira Liga, faced Rio Ave, who had finished sixth in the league but qualified as cup finalists after Taça winners Benfica completed a domestic double.

The match served as the traditional season opener in Portugal, pitting league supremacy against cup form. Held at the neutral Estádio Municipal de Aveiro, it marked the first time Rio Ave reached the Supertaça, while Benfica appeared for the 12th time, aiming to extend their record.

• Benfica qualified by winning the 2013–14 Primeira Liga with 89 points, finishing seven points ahead of second-place Olhanense.
• Rio Ave qualified as cup finalists, having lost the 2013–14 Taça de Portugal final to Benfica 1–0, earning them a spot as runners-up.
• The match date was August 16, 2014, one week before the start of the 2014–15 Primeira Liga season.
• Venue selection followed tradition by choosing a neutral stadium, with the Estádio Municipal de Aveiro hosting for the third time in Supertaça history.
• Attendance reached approximately 18,500 spectators, reflecting strong fan interest despite Rio Ave’s underdog status.

Match Details

The game unfolded as a dominant display by Benfica, who leveraged their superior experience and depth to secure a convincing victory. Goals from Nicolás Gaitán, a penalty by Óscar Cardozo, and a late strike from André Almeida sealed the outcome within 75 minutes.

• First goal: Nicolás Gaitán scored in the 23rd minute with a left-footed shot from outside the box after a swift counterattack.
• Penalty conversion: Óscar Cardozo converted a 51st-minute penalty after Elia was fouled in the area by Rio Ave’s Edinho.
• Final goal: André Almeida sealed the win in the 75th minute with a close-range finish following a corner kick routine.
• Yellow cards issued: Four cautions were given—three to Rio Ave players and one to Benfica’s Javi García.
• Man of the Match: Gaitán earned recognition for his goal and constant attacking threat throughout the 90 minutes.

Comparison at a Glance

Key performance metrics from the 2014 Supertaça highlight Benfica’s dominance in possession, scoring efficiency, and defensive control.

The statistical disparity underscores Benfica’s control throughout the match. Rio Ave struggled to maintain pressure, managing only two shots on goal despite aggressive defending. Benfica’s 89% pass accuracy reflected their superior technical execution and midfield command.

Why It Matters

The 2014 Supertaça reinforced Benfica’s dominance in Portuguese football and highlighted structural challenges for mid-tier clubs like Rio Ave. It also set the tone for Benfica’s campaign in the 2014–15 season, where they aimed to maintain domestic and European competitiveness.

• Historical significance: Benfica claimed their 6th Supertaça title, extending their record as the most successful club in the competition’s history.
• Boost for morale: The win provided momentum for Benfica ahead of their UEFA Champions League group stage return after a one-year absence.
• Development for Rio Ave: Despite the loss, reaching the Supertaça was a milestone for Rio Ave, showcasing their progress under manager Pedro Pereira.
• Commercial impact: The match generated significant broadcast and ticket revenue, contributing to both clubs’ financial stability.
• Youth exposure: Several young Benfica players saw minutes, offering valuable experience in high-pressure fixtures.
• Refereeing standards: The match was officiated by Jorge Sousa, highlighting the Portuguese Football Federation’s trust in top-tier referees for marquee games.

This victory added to Benfica’s legacy and emphasized the competitive gap between Portugal’s elite and emerging clubs, shaping narratives for the upcoming season.