The stitching of the Portuguese giant, who took second place in the main stage of the competition, certainly did not scare. Mubarak Suleiman already confirmed the high ambitions of the young Slavists in the beginning. The Nigerian striker stretched to the edge of the penalty area and his right-footed shot, even with the help of the stick, ended up behind the home goalkeeper.
However, the leadership of Machač’s team did not last long. Already in the 26th minute, Benfica took advantage of an inaccurate kick-off by the visiting defense and Tiago Freitas headed straight for the far post. It must be said that the game was also affected by the harsh rainy weather, which could take a toll especially on the lawn.
However, the Slávist youngsters managed to maintain a draw until the end of the first half, although Benfica created several very dangerous opportunities. Above all, in the 32nd minute, only the crossbar saved the guests after a huge chance for the home team.
However, the team from Vršovice entered the second half better and Suleiman struck again. In the 55th minute, he showed why Slavia brought him in – he weaved between the Benfica defenders in the penalty area and coolly finished between the three posts.
However, the Portuguese team managed to equalize again. Slavia’s defense couldn’t withstand Benfica’s long-term pressure this time, and Gonçalo Moreira didn’t give goalkeeper Petrenko a chance to shoot after the extended ball for the defense and inattention of the visitors’ defense.
The decisive moment came about fifteen minutes before the end of the match. This time, Moreira took on the role of scorer and found the head of Jaden Umeh with an accurate cross, who fired past Petrenko and sent Benfica into the lead.
In the end, the seamers pushed for an equaliser. Shortly before the 90th minute, Pikolon could have equalized, but the waterlogged terrain was against it and his shot went high over the home goal. Frustration from the narrowly lost progress culminated on the bench of Slavia, where coach Jaroslav Machač received a red card at the very end of the match. After the final whistle, even Marko Naskos did not miss the same punishment for protests.
