Benfica 1-1 Ajax
I’m not sure if anyone pinned their hopes on Ajax making it far in the Champions League, but they are definitely impressing a lot of neutrals, pundits and SBOBET fans in the footballing world after their draw against Benfica.
Our top analyst wasn’t able to differentiate the two European giants, and he was right on the money. While the hosts dominated for much of the first half, the superb changes made by Erik den Hag in the second half showcased just how dominant this young (but talented) Ajax team is.
Highlights of the game
This game was an important match for Benfica as a defeat here would have all but relegate them to the Europa League knockout stages. While the Europa League is a great competition to watch, it doesn’t have the prestige and media attention offered by the Champions League.
Moreover, Rui Vitoria has his neck on the line ahead of this match. The Aguias have lost their last three games in all competitions, including this match’s reverse fixture that happened two weeks ago. Depending on how satisfied the Benfica board is of the 48-year-old’s efforts, this game at the Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica will be the last time he stands in charge.
The players seemed to understand the urgency of this match and started at the right foot. Franco Emmanuel Cervi latched to a superb pass deep in the Ajax’s penalty box and rifled a low-driven shot towards the left post. However, Andre Onana stepped up to the plate and spilt the ball outwards for a goal kick.
The subsequent corner from that run of play didn’t produce a goal, the hosts didn’t let up on the gas. Jonas endured a knock early on, but he was able to contribute to the Benfica attack alongside Ruben Dias and Alex Grimaldo. He was close to scoring in the 26th minute when he fired a powerful shot that grazed the wrong side of the left post.
He was soon able to get his team on the board a minute later. He got hold of a loose ball after an Onana error and fired towards the back of the net. Vitoria was obviously elated with the early development, and the entire Estadio didn’t hold back in letting the team know of their delight.
However, the young Ajax team didn’t panic and let their natural game flow. Hakim Ziyech had a great chance with a 38th-minute free kick. He sent the ball towards the bottom-right corner, but Odisseas Vlachodimos expertly predicted the ball’s trajectory and make a superb save.
Referee Gianluca Rocchi served out two yellow cards to Jonas and Matthijs de Ligt before the ending the half and sending all of the players to the showers. The overall mood at the Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica was on the up. The Champions League 2018 odds of them making it to the knockout stages were on the rise with their dominant display.
However, there’s one thing we should not doubt the wonderkid factory that is Ajax: their young stars will make their presence felt whether you like it or not.
And that’s exactly what they at the start of the reset. Besides the unfortunate injuries that took Eduardo Salvio and Jonas out of the match, the young guests have started stringing together nice short passes that started breaking down the defence.
Dusan Tadic eventually broke through for Lucky Ajax in the 61st minute. He was freed up by a precise Ziyech pass, rushed to the box and smashed a shot that broke through the Benfica stopper and headed to the goal.
From that point on, the pressure on the Benfica players could be felt. They started playing rough football, committing fouls that could have injured Ajax’s young players. Of course, both teams still tried attacking for the goal, but the defences of both sides were resolute.
Gabriel had a chance to steal the game at the death. A late scuffle in front of the Ajax goal saw the Brazilian with the ball. He powered the ball towards the middle of the goal, but his shot wasn’t able to go past Onana, who was the big hero for Ajax as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
The air is uncertain in Lisbon. No one knows if Vitoria will still have this job at the end of the week. However, Ajax fans in the stadium are elated. They don’t know if this result or their draw with Bayern Munich is the biggest of the Champions League 2018 results they have had.
Key statistics
Onana was the embodiment of the Lucky Ajax ahead of the match, but his seven goalkeeper saves were not acquired due to luck. The 22-year-old was simply outstanding in between the sticks. While it was a shame that he didn’t save Jonas’ opener, he did enough to earn Man of the Match honours in my book.
Benfica looked like they were outsmarted by Ajax during the second match. They weren’t able to convert their four shots on target. Moreover, their 10 fouls during the half showed just how unsure they were of the opponents they were facing.
What’s next?
Benfica have a tall order to complete if they want to stay in the Champions League race: they have to beat Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. In order to build up some form, they need to win against Tondela in the Primeira Liga and Arouca in the Taca de Portugal.
Meanwhile, Ajax will be hoping to extend their superb unbeaten form by taking down Excelsior and NAC Breda in the Eredivisie. Their next Champions League opponent will be AEK Athens in what should be a manageable matchup.
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