Live Update Weghorst Receives First Yellow Card at 70′ Watch Dahl’s Stunning Goal
In a crucial UEFA Champions League clash, Benfica secured their first three points of the tournament with a commanding 0-2 victory over Ajax. This match, held in Amsterdam, exemplified Benfica’s resilience and strategic play throughout the game.
Match Highlights
- Goals:
- Samuel Dahl opened the scoring at the 5th minute.
- Leandro Barreiro sealed the win with a goal in the 90th minute.
- Key Performances:
- Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin made several critical saves.
- Fredrik Aursnes was named the player of the match for his overall contribution.
Early Breakthrough
Samuel Dahl scored the opening goal early in the fifth minute. After a corner, Ríos directed a header towards the goal that was saved by Ajax’s Jaros, but Dahl quickly reacted to blast a powerful shot into the net. This was Dahl’s first goal in the Champions League, lifting the spirits of Benfica fans and alleviating pressure on the team.
Ajax Attempts to Rally
Despite falling behind, Ajax showed promising moments as they sought to equalize. Notably, Davy Klaassen failed to convert a penalty set up by Wout Weghorst. Ajax created several chances but struggled to find the back of the net.
Second Half Developments
As the match progressed into the second half, Ajax intensified their attacks but found it challenging to break Benfica’s defense. Trubin made critical saves, including one from a close-range shot from Klaassen, demonstrating his importance in goal.
Decisive Moments
The turning point came in the 70th minute. A swift Benfica counterattack, initiated by a pass from Ríos, led to a chance for Dedic, whose header was thwarted by a deflection. Shortly after, Barreiro effectively finished the game in the 90th minute, connecting with a pass from Aursnes to score on a breakaway, solidifying Benfica’s decisive win.
Looking Ahead
This victory propels Benfica into the conversation for advancement in the Champions League, although they must face strong teams in the upcoming matches. Their schedule includes encounters with Napoli, Juventus, and Real Madrid.
In contrast, Ajax remains at the bottom of their group with zero points, facing a daunting challenge to recover against Qarabag, Villarreal, and Olympiacos for potential qualification.
Match Statistics
| Aspect | Benfica | Ajax |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 0 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 3 |
| Possession | 45% | 55% |
Benfica’s win not only marks a significant achievement in their campaign but also demonstrates their capacity to thrive under pressure, paving the way for an interesting continuation in the Champions League.