RB Leipzig 2-2 Benfica
There’s an old saying that you should continue to play up until the final buzzer, and RB Leipzig took it to heart last night.
The Red Bulls made history as they’ve clinched their spot to the next round of the Champions League after stealing a point against Benfica in a scintillating match that produced some thrilling Champions League 2019 highlights.
Pizzi and Carlos Vinicius drew first blood for Benfica, but Emil Forsberg scored a brace during injury time to cap off a stunning comeback after being down 0-2 for the majority of the game.
The Red Bulls have done a terrific job in the group stage matches. They’ve scored at least two goals in all of their matches except for their shocking loss against Lyon.
Benfica, who were desperate for a win, sank to the bottom of Group G table with only four points. Zenit and Olympique Lyonnais are currently at the second and third with seven points apiece, while RB Leipzig lead the pack with 10.
Allow SBOBET to give you a quick recap on what happened at the Red Bull Arena last night.
Highlights of the game
Stakes were high coming into this game, especially for Benfica as they would need to win this one on the road to stay alive in Group G. Meanwhile, a draw would be good enough for the host club to move on.
The defending Primeira Liga champions were indeed the aggressor in the match’s first 20 minutes as Pizzi would get into the scoreboard first. Champions League debutant Ethan Ampadu failed to clear the ball into the Leipzig box, which left Pizzi wide open for an easy finish.
Three minutes later, Christopher Nkunku had a brilliant chance when Timo Werner threaded a needle towards the box, but the ball went straight to Odisseas Vlachodimos’ hands for a save.
The Red Bulls would have another crack at it when one of their midfielders received a high volley from Timo Werner, but his shot was parried away again by Vlachodimos. RB Leipzig were arguing for a call when Alex Grimaldo shoved Christopher Nkunku during the play but to no avail.
RB Leipzig would net one in when a long shot was missed after a corner kick by Christopher Nkunku. Marcel Sabitzer would get the ball back after a save, but his goal went for naught since the referees called it an offside.
Pizzi almost scored a brace after a short corner after a clever nutmeg of a move. However, his shot just hit the crossbar in the 44th minute.
In the second half, Carlos Vinicius doubled Benfica’s lead through a speedy counter when Lukas Klostermann slipped unfortunately at the middle, leaving the Brazilian striker to pick off Peter Gulacsi for a clean goal.
Even with the Champions League 2019 odds to win looking bleak for the Red Bulls, they never gave up as they continued to push the pace through the ball handling dexterity of Timo Werner.
The 23-year-old wunderkind opened an opportunity for substitute Patrik Schick at the 74th minute, but the latter couldn’t follow up on his wonderful first touch with his shot overcooked.
Raul de Tomas saw a glimmer of opportunity when substitute goal keeper Yvon Mvogo was caught out of position. He launched a long strike from the back half of the pitch, but his shot went a bit wide to the left.
Emil Forsberg would rise to the occasion when the Red Bulls needed him most. He first scored off of a penalty when Patrik Schick was pulled down in the 89th minute, and he would complete his brace via a header after a lovely pass from Timo Werner during added time.
Those two goals sent the crowd in pandemonium and what a way to book your ticket for next year’s Final 16!
Key statistics
RB Leipzig have created more chances at a goal with 24 total shots and 10 shots on target. They also controlled much of the possession at 67-per cent along with 640 made passes.
Benfica have yet to win in 11 road games in the Champions League against German clubs, losing each of their previous 10 fixtures.
RB Leipzig have conceded eight of the 17 goals they have let in the Champions League against Portuguese opposition (Benfica and Porto).
What’s next?
The Red Bulls are flying over to the Benteler Arena facing Paderborn and they’ll host Hoffenheim a week later in the Bundesliga. They will clash against Lyon in their last group stage match.
On the other hand, Benfica will have a busy schedule in the Primeira Liga as they’ll face Maritimo and Boavista before locking horns with Zenit in their final fixture in the group stages.
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