Toffees crash to record loss
BENFICA (5) vs EVERTON (0)
UPBEAT Everton boss David Moyes refused to condemn his depleted side despite suffering their heaviest ever defeat in European competition.
The Toffees, with no fewer than 11 players available, simply had no answer to the Portuguese giants as they relinquished their 100 per cent group stage record with a whimper.
Three goals in the space of six second half minutes put a seal on their downfall but Moyes was still full of praise for the efforts of his young troops.
“That was the best team we had tonight. I have got to say they did the best they could and as good as they could,” he said.
“I have only praise for them. I have said to the players this is a different competition than the league, we’ve had two wins and one defeat. It is not too bad.
“Obviously tonight’s defeat was not what we wanted but I would like to play Benfica with my best side. They have a good attitude and showed their attacking qualities in the second half and capitalised on several mistakes we made in that spell and took their opportunities very well.
“It shows them the youngsters the level they have to play at to get to the top.”
Argentine striker Javier Saviola proved the scourge of the makeshift Toffees defence throughout, blitzing full-backs Dan Gosling and Seamus Coleman with ease on his way to notching the first and last goals.
On the left, Saviola’s countryman Angel di Maria also enjoyed an easy night, setting up Saviola for the first and the next two for Oscar Cardozo.
Pablo Aimar set up Luisao with a header for the fourth goal before Di Maria combined with Saviola once again for number five.