**Di Maria’s Playing Time at Benfica: Statistics and Updates**

Di Maria is one of the most iconic football players in European history, having won five Premier League titles with Liverpool and four with Manchester City. His career has been marked by exceptional performances, but his status as one of the best strikers in the world remains unparalleled.

In recent years, Di Maria has shown a remarkable consistency across all competitions he plays for, earning him accolades such as Ballon d'Or and Champions League MVP. However, his playing time at Benfica has also been impressive, showcasing his versatility on the pitch.

### Playing Time at Benfica

#### First Year (2018-2019)

During his first year at Benfica, Di Maria started his senior career with the Portuguese club. He made his debut against Real Madrid on January 4, 2018, scoring twice in a 5-1 victory. His goal helped the team to a 1-0 win, cementing his place among the top goalscorers of the season.

His performance continued during the rest of the year, contributing to the club's success in the Portuguese league and the UEFA Champions League. In the UEFA Cup final, where he scored a hat-trick, he became the first player from Portugal to reach the semi-final stage of the tournament since 1966.

#### Second Year (2019-2020)

In the second year at Benfica, Di Maria continued to be a crucial figure for the club. He played a significant role in the club's resurgence following a disappointing season in the previous campaign. During this period, he scored 17 goals in 32 appearances, including two goals against Barcelona and one against Atletico Madrid.

The performances under Di Maria were particularly noteworthy, especially when he was facing teams like Barcelona, who were known for their aggressive attacking style. His consistent presence on the field and his ability to score multiple goals contributed significantly to the club's success.

#### Third Year (2020-2021)

As the third year came to an end, Di Maria showed even greater stability and reliability on the pitch. He played 48 matches for Benfica, scoring 12 goals, which was the highest number of goals per match in his career. This level of consistency was a testament to his defensive prowess and his ability to maintain focus despite being faced with challenging opponents.

One notable highlight from his third year was his goal against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final, where he netted twice,Serie A Observation securing a crucial victory for Benfica.

#### Recent Years (2021-2022)

Following his successful tenure at Benfica, Di Maria had a brief spell out of the national team. During this period, he made just three appearances for Portugal, scoring only one goal in the 1-0 defeat against South Korea in the World Cup qualifier in June 2021.

Despite these limited appearances, Di Maria maintained his status as one of the best strikers in Europe, making a significant impact both domestically and internationally.

### Impact on Team Success

Di Maria's contributions have been instrumental in helping Benfica achieve success. His ability to create chances and deliver goals has not only contributed to the club's domestic success but has also been a key factor in their promotion to the UEFA Champions League in 2020.

#### Domestic Success

In addition to his international contributions, Di Maria's performances on the ground have been instrumental in Benfica's domestic dominance. His goal-scoring ability has been crucial in maintaining the team's lead in the league table, leading to a series of memorable victories and high-profile wins.

For instance, in the 2021-2022 season, Benfica secured a 10th-place finish, a result that showcased Di Maria's consistency and leadership on the pitch. His efforts in the domestic competition further solidified his reputation as one of the best strikers in the world.

#### Promotion and Success

When Benfica reached the final of the UEFA Champions League in 2020, it was Di Maria's turn to make a statement. Despite being without the support of the national team, he managed to score twice in the final against Real Madrid, securing the win and bringing Benfica back into contention.

This performance was a testament to Di Maria's resilience and the confidence he brought to the team. It also demonstrated how his consistency and ability to perform at various levels of competition can contribute to a club's ultimate success.

### Conclusion

Di Maria's playing time at Benfica is a testament to his dedication, skill, and experience. From his debut in 2018 to his current form, he has consistently been a cornerstone of Benfica's performance, earning him numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career. As he continues to play for the club, his influence will undoubtedly continue to grow, shaping the future of Benfica and its supporters alike.

In summary, Di Maria's playing time at Benfica is a source of pride for the club and his fans. His consistent excellence on the pitch has not only contributed to Benfica's domestic success but has also been a driving force behind their promotion to the UEFA Champions League. As he looks towards the future, Di Maria's legacy as one of the greatest strikers in the world will undoubtedly remain unchanged, inspiring generations of footballers to come.

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