If there’s one club that historically understands witches, this is the one Benfica, who since Béla Guttman’s curse in 1962 have lost eight continental finals. “Without me, you won’t win a European title for 100 years,” predicted one who coached the incarnations to their historic European Cup double in the sixties.
But not this set that runs roger schmidtwho got back on the winning track after losing on penalties against swagger in the Taça de Portugal and received the second defeat of the course in 37 games. With goals from João Mariopunishment, and David Neresafter serious mistakes of Meijerhe Benfica beat the witches (0-2) at the Jan Breydel Stadium to remain just one step away from the quarterfinals of the Champions League, a stage the Eagles have not surpassed since 1990.
In a frantic first half and with alternatives for both teams, they are rafa shivawith a shot on the stick, and odoiwho had not conceded a goal before half-time, those closest to the opening score began to take shape after going through the changing rooms.
hendry make a punishment as innocent as it is clear Goncalo Ramos and João Mario He did not fail from eleven meters, managed to pierce the goal of a Mignolet which kept it zero in five of the six games of witches in the first stage of the competition.
Neres effect
those of scott parkermuch better in the first act, hardly disturbed vlachodimos and, two minutes from regulation time, Neres his wallet was stolen Meijer and made it 0-2 leaving a tie for Benfica. Its ex ajax lose again Mignolet at a discount, but David Massa invalidated what would have been his first double as a Benfica fan due to an illegal position.
BRUGES
02
witches: Mignolet; Eyes, Hendry, Mechele, Meijer; Odoi (Nielsen, 65′), Onyedika; Buchanan, Vanaken, Sowah (Jutglà, 79′) and Lang
The
Benfica:Vlachodimos; Bah, Antonio Silva, Otamendi, Grimaldo; Florentino, Chiquinho; Aursnes, João Mário (João Neves, 94′), Rafa Silva (Neres, 65′) and Gonçalo Ramos (Guedes, 65′)
The
the objectives: 0-1 João Mário (pen.) (51′), 0-2 Neres (88′)
cards: YELLOW CARD: Odoi (9′), Sowah (29′), Otamendi (44′)
Referee: Davide Massa (Italy)
spectators: 24,136 at Jan Breydel Stadium.
see the match sheet
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
