The heaviest European away defeat in Everton’s history followed by their largest home reverse; it is safe to say David Moyes will be glad to wave goodbye to Benfica. Attempts to amend for their humbling in Portugal brought only fresh soul-searching for Everton, who have gone seven games without a win and have much to do to qualify for the knockout phase.

Moyes had promised Benfica a different Everton from the weakened side that slumped 5-0 at the Stadium of Light. It was certainly a different experience for the Portuguese supporters who ventured to Merseyside on Bonfire night, their bemusement while sampling chips and gravy on the streets of Walton heightened by the local rapscallions who ignited fireworks at their feet as they ate.

Inside the sulphur-scented stadium there was a far more resilient, purposeful Everton side on display than in the previous meeting. There was only two changes to that ignominious night in Lisbon but the availability of Leighton Baines and Joseph Yobo meant Moyes did not have to place so many round pegs in square holes.

Benfica, despite being without an away win in seven European ties, were still an inventive and gifted opponents, however, and Javier Saviola tested Tim Howard at his near post with their first attack. The Argentinian was also denied at the end of the first half when, after Oscar Cardozo had headed a cross against a post, the Everton goalkeeper produced an inspired save to tip away Saviola’s rebound.

Unlike at the Stadium of Light, however, Howard was not the only keeper in action. Marouane Fellaini endured a torrid second half in Lisbon, but almost made amends when he forced a low save from Julio César. A sublime turn from Yakubu Ayegbeni inside the area deserved better than a sliced finish.

Everton were providing the more consistent threat, although Yakubu was fortunate to escape with a yellow card for a dangerous foul on Ramires. The French referee clearly took into account that the striker’s lunge appeared slow and clumsy rather than intentionally malicious, although he deliberated the colour of the card for several seconds.

Eusébio, the Portugal legend, was present for his former club’s visit to the stadium where he scored six goals in the 1966 World Cup and would have faced England in the semi-finals until the Football Association switched the game to Wembley at the last minute, a decision that aided the host nation but still rankles with fans of a certain age on Merseyside. He would have appreciated the gifts of Everton’s tormentor-in-chief in both fixtures, Angel Di María.

The Benfica winger wasted a glorious chance to open the scoring as the visitors began to take the upper hand in the second half. Sent clear by a defence-piercing pass from Cardozo, Di María sprinted clear of Yobo, no mean feat, but blazed yards over as he closed down on Howard’s goal. He didn’t take long to make amends.

Di María’s next offering was to sting Howard’s palms with a fierce angled drive. He then carved open the Everton defence with a series of exchanges with Saviola and, as Moyes raged at Sylvain Distin for committing himself high up the field, the Argentinian took advantage of chaos inside the home area to convert into the bottom corner. Cardozo then sealed the victory with a left-footed volley into the same spot after Ruben Amorim’s shot had deflected into his path off Yobo.

Uefa Europa LeagueEvertonBenficaAndy Hunterguardian.co.uk