Benfica open the season with draw to Gil Vicente

Benfica open their 2011/12 campaign in disappointing fashion as last seasons runners-up draw with recently promoted Gil Vicente on the road and blowing a two goal lead in the process.

Benfica opened the scoring just seven minutes into the game when newly acquired Nolito took a  low shot past the keeper. Javier Saviola doubled the score from a nifty give and go with Franco Jara before the game was even twenty minutes old.

Gil Vicente got one back seven minutes before the end of the half when Hugo Vieira got one past Artur after a miss play on the ball from Ruben Amorim. Gil Vicente then brought the game even at the 73rd minute mark as Laionel's rocket from about 25 yards out made its way past the Benfica keeper.

Benfica fought late in the game for the winner but it was to no avail as the game ended in disappointment 2-2 as Benfica's sloppy play in their backend looks to have continued from last season.