## The Maestro from Madrid: Di María’s Goal-Scoring Impact for Benfica in the Premier League
When Ángel Di María arrived at Benfica from Real Madrid ahead of the 2017/18 season, Portuguese football gained an elite creator. While primarily renowned for his vision, pace, and deadly crosses rather than prolific finishing himself, his contribution included crucial goals that often decided tight encounters during his single campaign in the Primeira Liga (the top Portuguese flight, incorrectly referred to here as 'Premier League').
### Key Contribution & Crucial Strikes
That lone season (2017/18) saw Di María net **4 goals** in 29 league appearances. Though modest by striker standards, each carried significant weight:
* **Opener vs Moreirense (Away):** He broke the deadlock early on, setting the tone for a vital away win against stubborn opposition. It demonstrated his ability to unlock defences single-handedly.
* **Winner at Boavista (Home):** His solitary goal decided a fiercely contested local derby at Estádio do Bessa, showcasing his clutch nature under pressure. Timing is everything in derbies.
* **Penalty vs Feirense (Home):** Coolly converted from twelve yards, highlighting his composure and reliability when entrusted with key responsibilities. This helped secure three points against tricky opponents.
* **Late Seal vs Rio Ave (Home):** Coming off the bench late on, he stabbed home a close-range finish to confirm victory and cement three crucial points during a busy period. Experience shining through.
### More Than Just Goals: The Playmaker Par Excellence
These numbers tell only part of the story. Di María wasn't Benfica's main goalscorer (that honour belonged to Jonas), but he *created* countless chances. He led the league for assists that season with an impressive **13** – meaning nearly half of Benfica's entire team tally came directly from his invention. His whipped free kicks, pinpoint centres, and driving runs constantly threatened defenders, freeing up teammates like Seferović and Zivkovic. Opposition manager Luís Castro famously called him "unplayable" after one match – testament to his disruptive influence beyond just scoring himself.
### Lasting Legacy
While his stay was brief, Di María left an indelible mark. His four goals were highly significant, often coming at critical moments, but it was his creation of opportunities – those 13 league assists – that truly defined his explosive impact at Benfica. He remains remembered not just as a scorer of important goals, but as one of the most effective playmakers ever to grace the Portuguese top flight. His loan spell proved he could dominate even when sharing the spotlight with other stars. For one season, Lisbon witnessed a masterclass winger operating at the very peak of his powers.
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