Roger Schmidt can at least continue in the Europa League with Benfica Lisbon after a botched Champions League season.
The German coach won Portugal’s football champions 3-1 (2-0) at FC Salzburg and moved up to third place in Group D. This entitles you to take part in the Europa League from next year. For the Austrians, however, the European Cup season is over.
SSC Napoli and FC Copenhagen, on the other hand, made it to the round of 16 of the Champions League. The Italian champions beat SC Braga 2-0 (2-0). Copenhagen made it into the knockout phase of the competition with a 1-0 (0-0) win against Galatasaray Istanbul.
Benfica celebrates in the 92nd minute
Ángel Di María (32nd minute) and Rafa Silva (45th+1) had initially put Roger Schmidt’s team on course for the Europa League in Salzburg. But then Luka Sučić (57th) shortened the score for the hosts. Only a two-goal win secured Benfica’s winter stay in Europe – and substitute Arthur Cabral scored the decisive goal in the second minute of added time.
Naples even continues in the premier class. An own goal from Serdar Saatci (9th) and the Nigerian top striker Victor Osimhen (33rd) ensured the confident success against Braga and thus secured second place, which entitles them to take part in the round of 16.
Surprisingly, Copenhagen also made it into the knockout phase of the premier class. Lukas Lerager (58th) made it through to the next round with his goal against Galatasaray. The Turkish club continues in the Europa League.
Real Sociedad San Sebastian winters as winners of Group D. After the 0-0 draw, the Basques prevailed in a direct duel with Inter Milan on equal points due to the better goal difference.