THE problem with continuously jamming square pegs into round holes is that you can’t help but eventually leave gaps.

So it proved in Lisbon last night as Everton’s horrendous injury list finally caught up with them in devastating fashion.

Backed by the biggest European exodus of supporters in more than 25 years – more than 6,000 were present in the cavernous Estadio da Luz – the Goodison outfit crashed to their heaviest ever defeat in UEFA competition.

It was humiliating. It was hurtful. But, sadly, it was not a surprise.

Despite constructing a seven-match unbeaten run, David Moyes’s side had been unconvincing in recent home draws against Stoke City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Benfica, in contrast, are one of the most free-scoring teams in Europe, netting a remarkable 36 times in nine domestic games.

Pit the in-form Portuguese against an Everton defence containing three players being asked to perform out of position, one of which was a debutant, and the end result was depressingly inevitable.

Small wonder that Moyes had stated beforehand he would settle for a draw. Yet there was never any chance of that from the moment Javier Saviola volleyed Benfica into a 14th-minute lead.

But for a string of fine saves by Tim Howard – the goalkeeper barely comprehending the second-half capitulation – the evening could have been a lot, lot worse.

Already without 10 senior professionals through injury and ineligibility, Everton’s absentee list was lengthened further before kick-off when a calf problem forced out Leighton Baines.

It meant a first appearance at left-back for 21-year-old Seamus Coleman, the Republic of Ireland under-21 international signed from Sligo Rovers in the summer.

Coleman, though, is a right-back, a position filled here by midfielder Dan Gosling while Tony Hibbert reprised the central defensive role in which he so impressed in Belarus earlier this month.

Given the resources at his disposal, Moyes had no option but to make do and mend.

And Benfica took ruthless advantage, seeking to isolate Gosling and give Angel Di Maria the platform to deliver a magnificent performance, the Argentine winger influential in four of his side’s goals.

As Moyes later admitted, Everton did not help themselves with some poor individual mistakes. But credit must go to Benfica for a vibrant attacking approach that reaped rich dividends.

With a trip to Bolton Wanderers to come on Sunday followed by Tuesday’s Carling Cup trip to Tottenham Hotspur, there is simply no time for Everton to mope.

But Moyes has a major task in dragging his demoralised troops off the floor, their famed character and resilience – qualities conspicuous by their absence last night – sure to be fully tested in the coming week.

Having won their opening two group games against AEK Athens and BATE Borisov, Everton remain in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages.

They will have an opportunity to gain revenge in a fortnight when Benfica visit Goodison, although Moyes expects few of last night’s absentees to have returned by then.

Everton’s misery began early in Lisbon, with the home side taking just 14 minutes to capitalise on the uncertainty in the visiting defence.