JLast year has been a month of terror for the Luz sides. After the exit from the League Cup and the Portuguese Cup, elimination from the Champions League is one step away. And with the championship leader ten points away, it could even be said that this could be a season to forget for Benfica.
The trip to Turin was one of the last balloons to save what was about to be a season without titles, after a huge investment last summer. A victory at home for Juventus left everything open towards qualifying for the playoff, but the Eagles ruined everything on Wednesday night.
Benfica fell in Turin, losing 2-0 to Juventus, and is practically eliminated from the Champions League. José Mourinho’s team knew the enormous importance of this match and fought well in the first half. However, everything changed in the second half.
The Luz team faltered at the start of the second half and made two mistakes that led to two goals for the Italians, scored by Thuram and McKennie. Afterwards, and when he could have re-entered the points discussion, Pavlidis slipped and wasted a penalty. A slip-up that could have been the last blow of Benfica’s season.
It is true that there is a game with Real Madrid next week, but it will take almost a miracle for Benfica to reach the places that give access to the qualifying playoff for the round of 16 of the Champions League.
But let’s look at the notes for this match:
Figure
Weston McKennie He was the lungs of his team throughout the 90 minutes. He appeared whenever the team needed it most and was one of the most dangerous units in Juventus’ attack. He capped off his good performance with a goal.
Surprise
Amar Dedic He was the best player on Benfica’s side. He was very good in duels and made a decisive cut when the team needed it most. It wasn’t his fault that Benfica lost.
Disillusionment
Vangelis Pavlidis it is linked to the game in an indelible and negative way. Somewhat nervous throughout the match, the Greek ended up slipping when he shouldn’t have and missing the penalty. A night to forget for the Hellenic.
Coaches
Luciano Spalletti
Even though they didn’t play an eye-catching game, Juventus did what was necessary to leave the match with three points. He took advantage of two mistakes from Benfica to score two goals. After that, he applied a bit of the well-known Italian cynicism and controlled the match until the final whistle.
Jose Mourinho
Benfica lacked pragmatism in this match and, as their coach said after the match, they missed the goal. Benfica was more competent, more energetic and more active, but failed to find the back of the net.
Arbitration
Nothing to point out about the referee’s work Serdar Gozubuyuk. No influence on the final result. He made a good decision to award the penalty, after reviewing the move with VAR.
