Leader with an unprecedented achievement. Benfica defeated Maccabi Haifa tonight (6-1) and went on to take the lead of Group H after recovering from a four-goal deficit to PSG, who won in Turin (2-1). The Reds celebrated their passage to the round of 16 with a points record (14), surpassing the previous maximum record in a group stage (12, with Jorge Jesus, in 2011-12). The draw for the round of 16 is already on the 7th (Monday) and with this unprecedented presence of two Portuguese clubs (Benfica and FC Porto) as seeds, something that has never been seen before.
The Reds went to Haifa with the goal of battling for first place in the group and the commitment to play a good game, Schmidt said. And they fulfilled both, in what was the 22nd game, without losing at the time. At the moment only Benfica and PSG are unbeaten in Europe.
Without Enzo (first in 22 games) and with Rafa under tight markings, the Reds didn’t get off to a good start. A huge defensive error by the red team – stemming from a mistake by António Silva – left Vlachodimos with a huge scare. Due to Dean David’s lack of goal, the Greek was unable to concede an early goal. Benfica’s reaction was immediate, but Goncalo Ramos also missed the target and hit Josh Cohen’s goalpost, causing a huge silence at the Sammy Ofer Stadium.
In a stop-and-go game, Dean tested David Vlachodimos again and had Rafa Cohen fly to dodge Benfica’s 1-0, who would come through Gonçalo Ramos shortly after. The forward climbed higher to lead the Portuguese team up front – at that point PSG was already winning in Turin. There was almost no time for Ramos to celebrate his 12th goal of the season. A hand from Bah in the area gave the Israelis a chance to equalize from the penalty spot and Tjaronn Chery didn’t fail.
After half an hour of play everything was even and Roger Schmidt changed the team by eliminating Gonçalo Ramos (he appeared to be limping before opening the score) and Fredrik Aursnes, including Peter Musa and Chiquinho. Physical problems or tactical option? What is certain is that in the second half the substitutes would both be decisive.
At halftime everything was even in Haifa and Turin and that left first place in the group open – and Maccabi out of the European competition. More than enough motivation for the Israelis to start better in the second half and try to turn the scenario around. But that’s not what you saw.
Roger Schmidt’s Unexpected Strengths
Peter Musa seemed to miss the game, but when he had the chance to put Benfica back in the lead, he didn’t fail. A goal that placed the team with the group’s virtual leader and forced the Israeli coach to move the team to go after the draw. Mladen Krstajić didn’t want to give up the Europa League, but he couldn’t predict what Grimaldo would do…
Chiquinho almost ran incognito until he made a mistake and won a direct free kick. The angle wasn’t ideal for Grimaldo’s left foot, yet the Spaniard took the ball and had the cooperation of a poorly made wall to make it 3-1 and calm Schmidt, but only for a few seconds, as Turin saw the Portuguese Nuno Mendes brought PSG to victory.
In a tie with the French, the Reds had to recover from a four-goal deficit and Rafa showed it was possible and made it 4-1 with around 20 minutes to go. Enough time for two more goals, from Henrique Araújo and João Mário. Once the score was 6-1, the midfielder turned to the bench and asked, “Can it? Can it?” It was necessary to wait for the end of the other game to know that Benfica would be the leader, with nine goals from home, against six for PSG!
SEE THE GOALS
1-0 Goncalo Ramos (Benfica)
1-1 Tjaronn Chery (Maccabi Haifa)
1-2 Petar Musa (Benfica)
1-3 Grimaldo (Benfica)
1-4 Rafa (Benfica)
1-5 Henrique Araújo (Benfica)
1-6 Joao Mario (Benfica)
Source: DN
