Club America vs. Benfica: Score, Grades and Reaction from 2015 ICC

Benfica and Club America played to a 0-0 draw in regulation, but the reigning Portuguese champions emerged victorious, 4-3, in penalties to cap off their International Champions Cup slate on a high note. 

After getting downed by MLS's New York Red Bulls 2-1 on July 26, Benfica survived a fairly lethargic showing over the first 90 minutes against Club America to salvage its ICC resume. Benfica entered the evening at Estadio Azteca 0-1-2 in ICC play.  

Club America, meanwhile, did well to survive short-handed over the game's final 20 minutes. Defender Gil Buron was sent off in the 70th minute after receiving a red card for a reckless tackle, which left the home team down a man for the duration of the contest.   

However, Benfica couldn't capitalize in regulation. Ten-man America looked sharper as it blitzed the Portuguese defense with its counterattacks, although none of the late opportunities yielded a game-winner. 

All told, Benfica maintained an 8-7 edge in shots, including 3-0 in shots on target. In that sense, Rui Vitoria's side looked like the one he praised for its development last week. 

"From our first day of work there has been great attitude from the players," Vitoria said, per Benfica's official website. "We have introduced some of our ideas and feel that we are evolving. The players are assimilating what we want and we are very satisfied."

YURI CORTEZ/Getty Images

Benfica applied early pressure and did its best to capitalize on Club America turnovers in the attacking third, but the Portuguese side had nothing to show for its chances over the match's first 10 minutes. 

A penalty opportunity set up by a Ventura Alvarado yellow card in the 16th minute offered Benfica a chance to take a 1-0 lead, but Club America keeper Moises Munoz dove to his left and guessed correctly to deny Jonas' attempt from the spot and keep things knotted at zero. 

Following Munoz's savvy display, first-half chances were few and far between for the two sides. While Club America was able to ramp up the pressure over the ensuing 30 minutes, Benfica's last line of defense proved sturdy enough to keep the Mexican club out of the scoring column throughout the first frame. 

Benfica and Club America each tallied five shots during the first half, but Benfica held a 3-1 edge in shots inside the box, including the only shot on goal during that span. 

Essentially, the first half served as a nice microcosm of the offensive futility that hounded both sides throughout. 

Tuesday's clash also represented the end of the International Champions Cup slate for both sides. 

Club America will be back in league action Saturday against Atlas, while Benfica is slated to indulge in an extended and much-needed period of rest before it begins league play against Estoril August 16. 

Club America will be looking to get back on track after it opened its domestic slate with a 4-2 loss to Puebla July 26.  

Selected Player Grades

Moises Munoz: A-

YURI CORTEZ/Getty Images

Munoz preserved the 0-0 tie in the first half with a clinical save of Jonas, and the goalkeeper's stop appeared to give his side a bit of life. The save catalyzed America's attack to a degree, and it was truly the only standout moment of the opening stanza.

After Hugo Gonzalez surrendered four goals against Puebla, Munoz's decisiveness was a positive sign for Club America.  

Jonas: C- 

The striker's penalty form certainly wasn't the worst, but it also left plenty to be desired. With a golden opportunity to give Benfica an early lead and set the tone for the rest of the match, Jonas made it fairly easy for Munoz to read his shot toward the right corner and gobble the ball up. 

Jonas was eventually substituted for Jonathan Rodriguez in the 65th minute. 

Julio Cesar: B

Benfica's netminder was banged up early in the second half with what appeared to be an ankle injury, but he remained in the game. Just over 20 minutes later, Cesar was dinged up yet again after colliding with an America attacker on a near-goal-scoring opportunity. Prior to departing in the 82nd minute, Cesar stood his ground and did well to keep his team's sheet clean.