ROYALS SUCCUMB TO EUROPEAN GIANTS

TWO goals in seven second-half minutes saw Reading FC lose to a Benfica in their second pre-season friendly,writes Daniel Blackham.

The match rounded off a weeklong training camp at England’s St Georges Park for the Royals as they prepare for the 2022/23 Championship season.

The starting XI for Paul Ince’s side featured Lucas Joao, Ovie Ejaria, Andy Yiadom and new goalkeeper Joe Lumley.

Also lining up for the Royals was former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Sam Hutchinson and centre-back Julian Jeanvier, both currently on trial at the club.

The game started with a fast pace on a hot day in Burton-uponTrent and the Lisbon outfit could have taken the lead in the opening five minutes, but Lumley saved well from Joao Mario’s curling effort.

The Royals created a chance of their own after 17 minutes when Femi Azeez’s shot was well saved.

Moments later Ejaria turned well on the edge of the box but his leftfoot effort curled narrowly wide of the post

Just before half-time Lumley produced another strong save to keep it goalless.

Wholesale changes were made after the break with a new Royals XI taking to the field.

The side featured new signings Dean Bouzanis and Tyrese Fornah as well as academy graduates

Dejan Tetek and Kelvin Abrefa.

There were also a further five trialists with Conor Wickham, Jodi Jones, Grant Ward, Jacob Davenport and Josh Murphy lining up.

The breakthrough for the twotime European champions came after 65 minutes.

Benfica worked the ball well with a one-two on the right side before breaking into the box. A low cross was only half cleared before Alexander Bah poked a looping effort over Bouzanis.

The Portuguese side doubled their lead seven minutes later after another cross from the right was tucked away on the half-volley by Gil Dias.

The Royals had a rare sight of goal late in the second half but Davenport’s curling effort was wide of the post.