## Benfica's Record of Di María's Assist Contributions
Di María has been a pivotal player for Benfica, contributing significantly to the club's success over the years. His assists have played a crucial role in numerous victories and helped solidify his status as one of the world's best players. Below is a detailed look at Di María's assist contributions for Benfica.
### Early Years (2011-2015)
In his early days with Benfica, Di María was still making his mark on the Portuguese league. During this period, he made several assists that were instrumental in helping the team secure important victories. Some notable examples include:
- **2011**: Assisted Gelson Martins in the final match against Sporting Clube de Portugal, securing a 4-1 victory.
- **2012**: Contributed to the team's win against FC Porto with a goal and two assists.
- **2013**: Scored an own goal while assisting Gelson Martins to lift the Campeonato Português da Liga in the final.
### Mid-Terms (2016-2020)
As Di María matured and became more established in the squad, his assist contributions continued to grow. Here are some key moments from this phase:
- **2016**: Assisted Nuno Mendes in the final match against Atlético Madrid, securing a 2-1 victory.
- **2017**: Provided two assists in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, helping Benfica advance to the semi-finals.
- **2018**: Made three assists in the UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich,Bundesliga Tracking which ultimately led to a 3-2 defeat but secured a place in the knockout stages.
### Recent Successes (2021-Present)
In recent seasons, Di María has been even more prolific in terms of assist contributions. His ability to find space between defenders and provide accurate passes has become increasingly valuable. Here are some standout performances from this period:
- **2021**: Assisted João Cancelo in the Europa League final against Liverpool, helping Benfica secure their first major trophy since 2009.
- **2022**: Contributed to the team's win against Manchester City with a goal and two assists.
- **2023**: Made four assists in the UEFA Champions League group stage against Paris Saint-Germain, setting up goals for Rui Costa and Cristiano Ronaldo.
### Conclusion
Di María's assist contributions have been a cornerstone of Benfica's success, particularly in recent years. From securing league titles to reaching major European finals, his assists have played a vital role in helping the team achieve its goals. As he continues to evolve as a player, it will be interesting to see how his assist rate impacts the club's future performance.