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| Thursday, 18 March 2010 19:51 |
Europa League: Brilliant Benfica into last eightMarseille 1-2 Benfica (agg. 2-3) Brazilian striker Alan Kardec was the unlikely hero as Benfica came from behind to earn a thoroughly deserved victory at the Velodrome in Marseille tonight. Despite creating danger throughout, the Portuguese side fell behind 20 minutes from time when Niang scored for the hosts. But Maxi Pereira soon equalised and Kardec smashed in the winner in the 89th minute to qualify Benfica for the quarter-finals of the Europa League. A March evening in Marseille. Another memorable night in what is threatening to become one of Benfica’s most memorable seasons in decades. After a display full of attacking verve, courage and skill it is difficult to argue with the statement made by opposition coach Didier Deschamps at the end of the match: “Benfica proved they are a big team tonight.”
Di Maria profligateThe Eagles went into the game needing to score and had the better of a well-disputed first half. Di Maria had no fewer than four scoring opportunities in the first 45 minutes, but the Argentine had definitively left his shooting boots back in
In between Cardozo sent a thunderous left-foot shot onto the post, while for Marseille Lucho Gonzalez came close to breaking the deadlock with a firm strike from the edge of the box that flew just wide.
In the second half Benfica gradually wound up the pressure and Saviola will feel he should have scored when the excellent Fabio Coentrao sent over a peach of a cross but the Argentine failed to make contact with the ball.
After looking the more likely team to score, Benfica found themselves a goal down in the 70th minute when Brandao took advantage of confusion in the Portuguese defence to cut the ball back for strike partner Niang to rifle high into the net.
Scintillating last quarterIt was at this point that Benfica truly impressed. The Eagles no doubt felt aggrieved to be losing after creating the better openings, but 20 minutes of scintillating football completely tore apart the French side.
Maxi Pereira triggered the comeback when he followed up his goal in the first leg with another strike, albeit with a touch of fortune as his 25-yard shot took a deflection and flew low into the corner of the net.
Instead of playing for extra time Benfica went for the throat. Di Maria contrived to miss two fabulous chances when he had only the goalkeeper to beat, before Cardozo emulated him when he spurned an opportunity you would normally expect him to bury.
The misses did not prove costly however, as Benfica made their incessant pressure count. Substitute Alan Kardec latched onto a loose ball in the box and produced a powerful cross-shot that flew into the net off the far post to trigger wild celebrations among the travelling Benfica fans.
It all proved too much for Marseille's Ben Arfa. Having only entered the fray in stoppage time, Arfa was promptly sent off for kicking out at Alan Kardec.
by Tom Kundert
Marseille:
Mandanda, Bonnart, Diawarra, M’Bia, Taiwo, Cisse, Lucho, Cheyrou (Kabore, 75), Abriel (Kone, 44, Ben Arfa, 92), Niang, Brandao
Yellow Cards: Kone, Taiwo, Kabore Red Card: Ben Arfa (93)
Benfica: Julio Cesar, Maxi Pereira (Miguel Vítor, 94), Luisao, David Luiz, Fabio Coentrao, Javi Garcia, Ramires, Carlos Martins (Kardec, 86), Di Maria, Saviola (Aimar, 77), Cardozo
Yellow Cards: Cardozo, Di Maria, Luisao, Javi Garcia, Kardec, Aimar
Goals:
[1-0] Niang, 70
[1-1] Maxi
[1-2] Kardec, 90
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Lets hope Benfica can go all the way now
Although I'm a Benfica Supporter after our game against Marseille...I was cheering Sporting all the way, I am sad for them. Sporting deserved to go through as well, Sporting was cheated by that referee's decision not give a penalty in the second half. What a douche bag referee
Go Benfica!!!!! Go Portuguese football !!!!!!
The Portuguese Liga is underrated, there is good quality teams that can shine in Europe. Braga has shown a good pedigree over the years in Uefa cup. Benfica, sporting and Porto are always capable of winning a tournament . I'd love to see benfica win the euro league, and see braga as champions!
Forca SLB!
I am disappointed that Sporting didn't make it. They got robbed a penalty near the end which sucked. I was really hoping for a Lisbon derby at one point in this tournament.
The whole team played with a ton of passion and on the edge of losing their cool. Resulting in 2 of the 3 yellows. Yet they found away to press on and will a victory on French soil.
Big match this weekend against Porto for the Carlsberg Cup. Two teams who are going in opposite directions and Benfica aim to take home thier first piece of silverware this year.
Now let's see if Sporting can continue on their splindid play of late. It's sure to be a tough match with a make shift defense, but the home crowd is sure to give them a lift. Come on Leos!
Forca SL e Benfica, Forca Portugal!
The amazing JORGE JESUS