Benfica 0-1 Actual Madrid (Vinícius Júnior). A recreation marred in controversy… That is my quick response. Get extra: Participant rankings, interviews and a a lot wanted podcast.
A play-off that Actual Madrid by no means wished to play – however now must after an embarrassing defeat towards the very aspect they had been drawn towards. Would Benfica trigger one other upset, or would Actual Madrid stand robust underneath the stress? With Trent Alexander-Arnold again in type, and Antonio Rüdiger returning to the line-up, issues had been wanting good on the again for the primary time in current reminiscence. The usuals made up the attacking areas, and Fede Valverde captained the group.
The primary-half was stuffed with line-breaking passes and missed alternatives. Trent Alexander-Arnold was at his greatest, with Fede Valverde becoming a member of the passing spectacle. The possibilities got here by Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé – and with the group taking part in properly, it appeared a miracle that Benfica made it to half-time with the rating studying 0-0. They did have one respectable probability when Fredrik Aursnes compelled a save from Thibaut Courtois, however would wish much more within the second-half.
Issues began positively after the break for Actual Madrid – as Vinícius Júnior scored a world class objective from the aspect of the field. The sport misplaced its thoughts from right here although, because the Brazilian was booked for his celebration, earlier than struggling abuse from Gianluca Prestiani. What the Argentinian stated is not possible to decipher, as he deliberately hid his mouth underneath his shirt to say it, however no one goes to such lengths to present their opponent a praise. The sport was stopped for ten minutes as Vinícius filed a grievance to the referee, and everybody determined to lose their mood. Upon the restart, it was clearly deflated. Not a lot occurred till Jose Mourinho was despatched off for one more nonsensical demonstration from the Benfica contingent. Actual Madrid had been dealing with the sport properly, although – and concluded the fiasco, and the 12 added minutes, with a 1-0 win. Wow. What was your tackle that circus?
