Benfica Ties in Derby and Advances in Champions League

BENFICA TIES SPORTING IN LISBON DERBY AND ARE MOVING ON IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE.

Benfica in first place tie with Sporting after “O Classico“

Benfica met long time rival Sporting in the first Derby of the 2018/19 Liga NOS season. These matches are usually intense and dramatic, but unfortunately for this game that was not the case. The home team held possession for most of the game but it was Sporting who got on the board first. Nani converted a penalty as the keeper chose the wrong direction, which gave Benefica an early 1-0 lead. The Eagles, who were playing at home in front of a sell out crowd, kept applying pressure. In the 86th minute the raucous crowd at Estadio da Luz were finally able to erupt as eighteen year old Joao Felix leveled the game at 1-1 on a beautifully headed goal on a cross.

Unfortunately, once the game became level, it seemed both teams were content on getting the one point. SLB had some close opportunities, but both teams turned the match into killing whatever time was left to play. Even the officials appeared to let the game slip away from them. With the point and Porto’s loss both Benfica and Sporting are now tied for first place after three games. This will surely set up what will be a wild finish.

Benfica advance in Champions League

Next up was the second leg game of the UEFA Champions League qualifying stage versus PAOK. If the first 20 minutes were to be any indication, it seemed as if the Eagles were about to be eliminated from the UEFA Champions League. PAOK got off to a roaring start and took the lead early in the game 1-0. After those first twenty minutes, the game completely changed. Benfica equalized on a corner when Jardel headed the ball into the lower corner just out of the goalkeeper’s reach. That goal was all it took to open the floodgates as Benfica went on to score the next three goals.

In a moment of complete misunderstanding, PAOK sent the ball back to their goalie and as he rushed to keep it in play he tripped the Benfica player for a penalty. Salvio lined up and scored to make it 2-1. The next play was a beautiful team effort as passes were made throughout the whole field, setting up Pizzi who made it 3-1. Jardel and Salvio once again played parts in the final goal as another penalty was awarded, allowing Salvio to score once again to close out the scoring at 4-1.

Benfica advanced on aggregate goals 5-2 and will now advance to the group stage of the Champions League. The team also gets 50 million dollars for advancing to the group stage.

The Eagles’ next Liga NOS game is on Sunday versus Nacional. The draw for the Champions League is this week to determine the group and teams they will face.

 

Follow on Twitter: @SOURCE-BENFICA