Ajax dominates Benfica but fails to score
As the referee Carlos del Cerro Grande finished the first half, Ajax had shot at the opponent’s goal eight times and had nearly 70 percent possession. Only one goal was the team’s coach Eric ten Hag failed. That should take revenge.
Once, in the seventh minute, there was a moment of cheering after the goalscorer Sebastien Haller got the ball over the line. But assist provider Dusan Tadic had been offside.
From then on, only Amsterdam actually played, Benfica was often overwhelmed with the positional play and the early pressing of the Dutch. Only with the last decision they were often wrong at Ajax. Amsterdam had the best opportunity in the 37th minute Ryan Gravenberch, as he pulled into the middle from the left and then shot from 20 yards. Centimeters were missing in his attempt.
Onana misses the ball, Núñez doesn’t – Benfica celebrate
After the restart, Benfica got into the game a little better. The guests from Portugal were now more stable in defence, they gave Ajax less space and also had a good chance to score after a corner from a Jan Vertonghen header (58th). A header also caused danger on the other side. From the left, Daley Blind crossed with great feeling and with pinpoint accuracy into the backcourt, where Antony headed the ball up but not into the goal (63′).
Finally, the 77th minute came and with it a free kick for Benfica. Álex Grimaldo put the ball sharply into the six-yard box where Amsterdam goalkeeper André Onana got out, but didn’t get the ball. Núñez then headed in and the rest was cheering from the visitors.
Once again a murmur went through the stadium, it was already overtime overtime: Amsterdam’s playmaker Tadic was already in the penalty area, but his way to the goal was blocked. So he tried a pass to Brian Brobbey. He also got the ball, but failed from close range at Benfica goalkeeper Vlachodimos. It was a parade that will not soon be forgotten. However, the team of referees indicated offside, it was very close – but they were spared a check.