Benfica will not have fans in the stands in the last match of the Champions League group stage against RB Salzburg, played in Austria and which could be crucial in defining the Reds’ European future.
This is the punishment that UEFA decided to apply to the Águilas for the incidents caused by fans in San Sebastián, with the throwing of torches onto the grass during the match against Real Sociedad on the fourth day of the Champions League group.
In a statement, Benfica confirmed the sanction, which could have been more serious considering that the Eagles still have a Champions League match at home next week, against Inter Milan.
This is the second consecutive season in which the Reds have been prevented from bringing fans to a match outside of Portugal, as happened last season also in a match against the Italians, but counting towards the quarterfinals of the competition.
Benfica guarantees that the matter will be analyzed internally and will not make any further comments on the matter.
The Eagles occupy the last place in Group D of the Champions League with zero points with two games remaining in the group stage. Next week they host Inter, who are second with ten points and have already secured a place in the round of 16 of the competition, like Real Sociedad.
Thus, the most the Reds can get is a place in the play-off for the round of 16 of the Europa League, for which they will need to win at least the match in Austria, without fans.
Source: TSF
