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| Wednesday, 02 November 2011 21:58 |
Benfica 1-1 BaselEagles miss chance to progress Benfica wasted a golden opportunity to secure knockout Champions League football tonight, after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Basel at the Estadio da Luz. Rodrigo’s fierce half volley gave the Eagles an early lead, but they were unable to capitalise on their dominance, and Huggel levelled the scores just after the hour mark.
Jorge Jesus handed a first start of the season to young Luis Martins at left back, with Emerson suspended and Capdevila not registered for European competition. Elsewhere, Nemanja Matic once again started in midfield alongside Axel Witsel, whilst Rodrigo was selected ahead of Oscar Cardozo – unconfirmed reports stating that the Paraguayan was suffering from back trouble prior to kick off.  The Eagles almost got off to the perfect start with barely a minute on the clock, when some nifty footwork from Aimar allowed the Argentine to tee up Rodrigo, and Sommer diverted the Spaniard’s side-footed effort onto the post and behind.Rodrigo atoned for his miss moments later. A Maxi cross caused chaos amongst the Basel back line, who despite being massed in the penalty box, failed to clear; allowing the diminutive Gaitan all the time and space required to look, leap, and send a header in the direction of Rodrigo, who delivered a searing half volley into the top corner, with Sommer stranded. The goal settled any nerves that might have been present in the Benfica XI, and the Eagles largely controlled the remainder of the half. Aimar and Gaitan were particularly influential, with their movement and precise passing often leaving their opponents chasing shadows. Maxi and young Luis Martins were also regulars in the Basel half, with Matic, Garay and Luisao mopping up the occasional Basel raid. The Eagles might have had a penalty in the seventeenth minute, when Maxi’s cross from the byline appeared to have been met by Dragovic’ hand. Referee Carlos Velasco Carballo waved away the protests, leaving the crowd incensed. Moments later, Garay found himself unmarked near the penalty spot, and managed to meet Gaitan’s floated ball in from the left hand side, but the centre back (who had stayed forward from a free kick) was unable to find the target. Moments later, Basel had their first real chance, with the lively Shaqiri curling a free kick wide of Artur’s post. Cushioned by the goal and the comparative lack of adventurous play from their opponents, Benfica appeared content to see out the half without adding to their tally. Jorge Jesus’ title-winning side of 2009/10 were notorious for their ruthlessness once ahead, but the current vintage appear to possess a slightly less deadly cutting edge.  As a result, Basel began to carve out opportunities as half time approached. First up was Steinhofer, with the left back arriving late in the box to meet Zoua’s cross, but sending his downward header back across goal and wide. A series of searching balls eventually sent Fabian Frei bursting beyond Maxi, and only a superbly timed challenge from Garay stopped Zoua from working Artur, with Luisao a spectator. From the resulting corner (the taking of which was delayed by vehement protests from Garay that eventually saw him cautioned after the half time whistle had sounded), Huggel won another header, but once again, Artur watched the ball safely behind, having gone the entire first half without making a save. The first twenty minutes of the second half unfolded in similarly elegiac fashion. Basel deviated not one bit from their conservative game plan, and Benfica continued to press and prod without ever moving in for the kill – both Gaitan and Witsel failed to trouble Sommer with long range efforts, whilst Rodrigo was partially caught out when a cross was diverted into his path; the youngster could only head straight at the goalkeeper. Then, with twenty-six minutes remaining, Basel provided yet another illustration of why the ability to capitalise on pressure is one of the most vital skills a side can possess. The arrival of Miguel Vitor in the place of Luis Martins caused a momentary lapse in concentration, allowing Scott Chipperfield to latch on to a ball down the left channel. The Australian delivered a clipped ball back towards the penalty spot, and Huggel, who side footed confidently past Artur, met it to level the scores. Stung, Benfica almost re-took the lead instantly. Witsel manufactured himself some space and slipped Rodrigo through on goal, but the Spaniard’s movement around Sommer cut off the angle available, and his shot could only find the side netting.  It was to be Benfica’s best chance during a frustrating final twenty-five minutes. Basel, buoyed by an increasingly irate crowd, put on a superb rear-guard action, absorbing Benfica pressure with composure, and even threatening occasionally on the counter. Gaitan, Maxi and Cesar fired a succession of crosses in the direction of Rodrigo and the substitute Cardozo, but none of the deliveries were sufficiently well aimed, and Sommer’s finale was relatively stress-free.The result sees Benfica drop down to second spot in Group G, after Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Otelul Galati. The Eagles travel to Old Trafford on November 22nd, knowing that although they have spurned a chance to secure a place in the last sixteen ahead of schedule, qualification is only one victory (or even a defeat for Basel in Romania on the 22nd) away. Goals [1-0] Rodrigo 4’ [1-1] Huggel 64’ Benfica: Artur; Maxi Pereira, Luisao, Garay, Luis Martins (Miguel Vitor 63’); Matic, Witsel; Gaitan (Nolito 81’), Aimar (Cardozo 73’), Bruno Cesar; Rodrigo. Ben Shave |
Don't think Benfica was all that bad and Matic that awful.
In fact I think Matic played well the young and Portuguese left back also did well.
It was just like at the weekend, and similarly to egat they did to Man Utd, the game looked like it was too easy and they came out fighting in the second half and after the sub of Vítor, as Ben points out, there was a lapse of concentration and it was a great goal.
But I don't think anyone would say that Basel ate a better team than Benfica.
Everyone here has been calling for players to be given a chance and for youth and for Portuguese players, well JJ has done just that, thereby resting other players and they have done well. But, here's the thing, you cannot have it both ways, that little bit of experience and quality is what sees games off and allows teams to hold on to results.
Nevertheless the result is not a catastrophe nor necessarily a bad result, even if Benfica lose at Old Trafford they will most likely win the last game and qualify easily.
It would have been nice to qualify first in a group with the might of the two time Champions League finalists Manchester United though. Who drew Basel at home, did I mention that? ;)
"Luisão a spectator" "Went right around Matic"... Benfica's defense and their no losses so far this season can be properly attributed to one Artur Moraes. There are a few people - Garay, for example - that definitely help, but then there are people like Matic, who are best served far, far away from a pitch.
JJ should have included Capdevila, his pride/his stubbornness/his blindness didn't include him, and Benfica WILL pay dearly for this at some point. Whether all the midfield and strikers wear themselves out, or Artur can't do it anymore - oh wait, we have Eduardo. And Mika. 3 of the best GK in the Portuguese Liga on our side... yeah, we might do okay.
Benfica needs to figure out their defense woes, and fast. Relying on luck will only go so far.
In fact I can even see Otelul getting at least a point against Basel in Romania, surely they won't lose all 3 home matches, i don't think they are that bad. Otelul will be desperate to avoid finishing with 0 points and have major pride to play for now. And if Basel drop points in Romania, then we are are almost certainly qualified regardless of what happens at Old Trafford. So yes a lot of theoretical options here, but most point towards Benfica qualifying...so i am still confident we'll do it.
I am also worried about all the fouls and yellow cards. It could come back to hurt us in the final match vs Otelul.
I know that people are calling for Cardozo to start, and I agree, but Rodrigo showed well. His goal/shot was outstanding.
The midfield has to do better. I know that Cesar has played well, but I would have liked for him to come in for Aimar. I'm not sure what has taken place, but Nolito was doing well. Maybe he's tailed off in training.
Let me add that Luis Martins has a way to go. People do have to remember that he just turned 19. He showed well in a pressure match, and I also liked how his teammates supported him. A lot of clapping and encouragement for him when he went forward or defended.
I for one, always prefer to play a player where he belongs, instead of moving guys around to unfamiliar places.
I've watched the replay of Basel's goal over and over. Miguel has to see the player coming. I can only assume that he was brought in due to him being a more imposing figure. What made it more odd was that he's a natural center back and the play came through the middle.
Yes Matic was late on the play, and Maxi was originally caught off.
We could be going into the last match vs Otelul tied for third. I actually would be surprised if we weren't.
Let me add that Otelul made a good count of itself today vs Man United. They have proven to be anything but easy, but the good news is that they will most likely be out of any European contention. Pride is still a heavy factor, and I for one am happy that the game is home.
What is so dissapointing is that we took the lead so early, that should've been the signal to control the match and see the result out. The truth is Basel were the better team in the second half, had more possession and deserved their draw in the end. Perhaps the team was affected by JJ's absence from the touchline, or maybe they just felt the nerves about all that was at stake...but they just never got going at all in this match.
This result has crashed me down to earth somewhat after the euphoria of our excellent start to the season. And it has clearly highlighted a few issues: firstly, the midfield of late has not been great and is failing to really dominate teams like Olhanense and Basel (with all due respect). I'm not a huge fan of Javi, but he's certainly better than Matic from what i've seen in recent matches. Secondly, we definitely need a new left back in January. Thirdly, as exciting a prospect as Rodrigo is, Cardozo must definitely be starting the big matches such as these, as he has much more experience. We really missed his huge presence up front tonight. Lastly our dip in form lately has coincided with Nolito being left on the bench. I'd like to see Nolito back in the first team because he really gives us something different in attack.
So now on to Old Trafford, the only positive is that Man United are not looking that great either at the moment, so we may well be able to get something there. But if we lose there, then we will have to hope Galati pick up at least a point at home to Basel, or it will be a very nervous last matchday of the group. And this situation really should've been avoided by winning tonight. Still much work to do!!!
old Trafford better than 1-1 would almost certainly. We could have won today and then got smashed by Man UTD and still been in second. The key here is that
over 2 games we picked up 4 points against Basel and we are unbeaten we just need to beat Oteg at home and were through.
off topic but if Porto can win away to Shactar then whey will probably sneak through. As they have the final game at home against Zenit pure and simple a win means 2nd, a loss means they are out and a draw means Europa. I think Apoel have been lucky (reminds me of greece at the Euro 2004) but there luck has to run out. Once they are chasing a game they will have to come out and attack and thats when they will come unstuck. anyways just my thoughts as i dont rate then highly, i dont like teams which just defend and dont play football but other might not agree
We had many good build up plays go wasted.. Rodrigo has been doing well but he was unlucky to hit the post and side netting. I think Cardozo needed to start. We definitely should have won this game. I'm sure we'll make it but we've had our opportunities to claim 1st place.