Image Credit- ESPN
It is a rare moment in Champions League history when a club plays another club three consecutive times. It all started with the last group stage match between Real Madrid and SL Benfica, wherein the Portuguese side got the better of the Galactico's, as they thrashed them 4-2 in Lisbon. It was quite a dramatic game wherein we saw the goalkeeper coming in the opponent's half for the last kick of the game. And boy! He scored at the very last minute, which helped Benfica qualify for the play-offs. However, a defeat meant that Real Madrid were now required to play in the playoffs in order to qualify for the Round of 16. It was thus an embarrassing moment for the men in white who, before the start of the game, looked certain to qualify for the round of 16 but failed to maintain their position after 90 minutes.
Interestingly, in the play-offs draw, Real Madrid got SL Benfica as their opponent. Thus, they had an opportunity to seek revenge. The first leg in Lisbon ended in a 1-0 win for Real Madrid. Vini scored a magnificent goal in the second half of the game, which turned out to be the difference between the two sides. However, the excellence of Vini got overshadowed by the alleged racist abuse inflicted upon him by Gianluca Prestianni. Moreover, manager Jose Mourinho's comment also didn't go well with the footballing fraternity, which meant that the second leg would be a blockbuster.
The second leg in Madrid, however, turned out to be a perfect end for this duel, as the hosts secured a comfortable 2-1 win and marched forward to the round of 16. It is interesting to note that it was Benfica who scored the opening goal of the game. But the goals of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Vini made sure that Madrid qualified for the round of 16. However, the thing which was most pleasing to the eyes was the style of football played between the two sides. It was truly an incredible game between two great teams. Moreover, there were multiple moments wherein we felt that a team might score a goal, but there were equally saves.
After the end of 90 minutes, the scorecard read Real Madrid 2-1 SL Benfica as the Galactico's marched forward to the round of 16 on an aggregate of 3-1.
To watch the Group Stage Encounter, Click Here.
To watch Leg 1 of the Play-Offs, Click Here.
To watch Leg 2 of the Play-Offs, Click Here.
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