Benfica suffers but guarantees qualification for the ‘quarters’ of the Europa League – Football

With the patience typical of a mature team, which accepted the difficulties imposed by physical capacity, direct play and opposing frenzy, not to mention the conditions in which they played, Benfica knew how to wait for the right moment to fire the arrow (Rafa) that hit home. filled the huge Scottish heart and guaranteed him continuity in the Europa League. Even saying that he had a dream night in Glasgow goes a long way, but moving forward in the race suits him well.

It suits him well because after a first half in which almost nothing happened – apart from the emotional tribute to the Rangers fan who passed away in Lisbon last week –, with a predictable game between the two teams (Scots eagerly wanting to reach the Trubin’s area anyway, Benfica defending itself with a great sense of mutual assistance and always on the lookout for a counterattack), where, football-wise, the red goalkeeper was ruining everything (he would be the chicken of the year…) , it was worth waiting for the second 45 minutes.

Because Rangers showed even greater desire, but Benfica, with the arrival of Tengstedt, began to move better in attack, filling the spaces better. And after the forward had wasted a good chance, the much-desired move happened: a corner against Benfica, Florentino placed the ball to Di María, who header isolated Rafa. Crazy race towards the goal, accurate shot, referee cancels it, VAR confirms and… Benfica ahead in the competition.
Benfica calmed down and in the last 25 minutes managed to display some qualities. Because in football there is nothing better to calm your nerves than a goal!

“We defended very well and didn’t give ourselves any chances”
“We played very well, we defended very well and didn’t give them any chances to score. We had moments for transition and we could have scored earlier. We scored the goal and defended with patience, we fought hard and we are happy to win”, said Roger Schmidt, praising Florentino: “It was very good.” The Benfica coach guaranteed that he has no preferences in the draw that will take place this Friday, starting at 12:00 pm: “We are in the 8 best teams. We will do our best and it doesn’t matter who the opponent is.”

Opponent known this Friday
Three Italian teams (Milan, Atalanta and Roma), two English teams (Liverpool and West Ham), one German team (Leverkusen) and one French team (Marseille) are Benfica’s possible opponents in the quarter-finals. The draw takes place this Friday, at 12 pm.

Future at the club “is playing on Sunday”
“That’s what I always say: António wants to play on Sunday and for Benfica to win”, António Silva replied this Thursday after being asked about his future at the club. “The pressure of playing for Benfica is to win every game.”