### Benfica's Record: A Statistical Analysis of Maradona's Playing Time

Marcelo Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, known for his exceptional skills and impact on the sport. His time at Benfica, Portugal's most successful club, has been marked by numerous milestones and achievements. This article delves into a statistical analysis of Maradona's playing time during his tenure with Benfica.

#### Introduction

Maradona joined Benfica in 1984 and remained there until 1987, making him one of the longest-serving players in the club's history. During this period, he played a significant role in shaping Benfica's success under several managers, including Luis Enrique and Manuel Pellegrini. The following analysis examines the duration of Maradona's playing time at Benfica.

#### Playing Duration

Maradona spent a total of three seasons at Benfica, which corresponds to approximately 25 months of professional football. This period can be broken down as follows:

- **Season 1 (1984/85):** Maradona started his time at Benfica in the first season after joining.

- **Season 2 (1985/86):** He continued to play for Benfica throughout the second season.

- **Season 3 (1986/87):** Maradona concluded his time at Benfica before moving on to other clubs.

#### Key Matches Played

During his three seasons at Benfica, Maradona participated in various matches across different competitions. Here’s a breakdown of his match count:

- **Total Matches:** Maradona played in a total of 31 matches while at Benfica.

- **League Matches:** He made 26 appearances in league games.

- **Cup Matches:** Maradona also contributed 5 times in cup competitions.

#### Impact on Benfica

Despite his relatively short stint at Benfica,La Liga Frontline Maradona had a significant impact on the team. His presence was felt in both domestic and international competitions, contributing to Benfica's successes:

- **Domestic Championships:** Maradona helped lead Benfica to victory in the Portuguese Super Cup in 1986.

- **International Competitions:** He represented Argentina in international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, where he scored a memorable goal against England in 1986.

#### Conclusion

Maradona's playing time at Benfica, though brief, was crucial to the club's success during that period. His contributions, combined with those of other talented players like Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo, helped solidify Benfica's position as one of Europe's top clubs. While Maradona's time at Benfica may have been limited, it left a lasting legacy that continues to resonate with fans and football enthusiasts around the world.

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