2023-09-20 21:01:55
The almost 61,000 spectators at the Estádio da Luz witnessed a furious game in which Salzburg took the lead thanks to a penalty converted by Roko Šimić in the 15th minute. Oscar Gloukh (51.) increased the score following the break for the guests from Austria, who had been numerically superior since the penalty situation following a red card for António Silva. Benfica were a long way from turning things around until the final whistle.
In the parallel game in Group D, Real Sociedad and Inter Milan drew 1-1 (1-0) in San Sebastian. Marko Arnautovic made his starting eleven debut for the Italians, but was substituted in the 55th minute. Brais Mendez had already scored for the Basques in the 4th minute, Lautaro Martínez (87th) equalized late on.
The “Bulls” got off to a venomous start and didn’t give the Benfica fans a break for their nerves. After just 1:22 minutes, referee Halil Umut Meler pointed to the penalty spot for the first time because goalkeeper Anatolij Trubin had hit Salzburg’s Strahinja Pavlović in the head in the hustle and bustle of the penalty area. However, Karim Konaté put the penalty well over the goal.
Both teams looked for salvation on the offensive, Salzburg pressed Benfica high. However, the Portuguese often managed to free themselves from the clutches with their combination game. In the 12th minute, João Mário wanted to take his chance in the penalty area, but only hit the left post. Practically in return, Šimić rushed up and away. After contact from Trubin, the ball sailed towards the goal and hit the crossbar, then António Silva played it with his hand out of the danger area – a clear penalty. The central defender also saw a red card. Konaté would have been ready to take a shot.
This time his strike partner Šimić came from the spot and converted a flat shot into the right corner to give Salzburg the lead. Benfica then sought to equalize primarily through standard situations. In the 25th minute, Alexander Schlager was there for a direct free kick from Ángel Di María, and seven minutes later the ÖFB team goalkeeper scratched a corner from the Argentine world champion out of the goal.
After the break, Salzburg took command once more and stormed Trubin’s goal. After a bad pass in the home team’s build-up game, Maurits Kjaergaard passed the ball to Simic, who had an eye for the running Gloukh. The Israeli took the already relatively comfortable lead. However, Benfica didn’t give up even with ten men, Schlager showed another brilliant performance in the 66th minute with a header from João Neves.
Only over time the Portuguese’s strength dwindled. Salzburg, on the other hand, did not let up and continued to play powerfully forward. In the 77th minute, the guests had a double chance through Amar Dedic and Kjaergaard. After 95 minutes the away win was perfect.
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