Thanks to two beautiful goals by the new Turkish duo – Akturkoglu and Kokçu, the latter from a free kick – Benfica became the first Portuguese team to win at the Marakana in Belgrade. The second half was marked by many difficulties for the Eagles, who conceded a goal in the last moments and allowed the hosts to believe in themselves.
The day has come for Benfica’s debut in the new Champions League format. With Bruno Lage at the helm, the Eagles visited the Marakana in Belgrade for the second time in their history to face a Red Star side that looked easy on paper but was difficult on the pitch, where the atmosphere is often intimidating.
Perhaps warned by the goal they conceded against Santa Clara in the 23rd minute in the league, Benfica started the match in control and were rewarded in the ninth minute when Di María linked up with Bah, the defender crossed into the box and Akturkoglu got the ball past Krunic and into the net. Second game, second goal for the Turkish magician.
Crvena Zvezda felt the blow and tried to react, but Benfica’s second moment of magic came. It did not come from the feet of Harry Potter (as Akturkoglu is called), but from Kokçu, who converted a free kick and put the ball in the net. After only 29 minutes, Benfica cooled down the atmosphere at Marakana.
The second goal of the Eagles caused the hosts to wake up. The team from Belgrade seemed to lose some of their nerves and began to press Benfica.
Red Star pressed down the left flank, completely dominating the second half (Benfica had no possession in the first five minutes) and only the entry of Aursnes helped to stop the Serbian team’s momentum, as they often lacked the quality to do more.
When it seemed that Marakana had given up, Milson took advantage of the Eagles’ defensive mistake – a lack of coordination in defense – to reduce the deficit. The decibels in the stands rose and the Serbian champions regained their faith. Benfica suffered a lot to secure three points in the first round of the Champions League.
Man of the match: Orkun Kokçu (Benfica).
