a French word soup It is not yet included in the dictionary of the Portuguese language, but it frequently enters our vocabulary to describe it Skill, cunning, or agility. Three qualities that apply perfectly to Angel Di Maria, who delivered another win for Benfica, this time in the Europa League, over Toulouse, at the age of 35.
He scored two goals, from two penalty kicks, of course, but with great skill, and he looked at the young Restes with interest before shooting the ball into the net. Moreover, he was the “engine” of the Reds offensively.
It was the big exception in the midst of the ordeal that Roger Schmidt's team was exposed to in its European version, this chapter. If last season Benfica were one of the standouts of the Champions League (Di Maria witnessed this firsthand, in the Juventus squad), the Reds “gave” the fans in Luz another performance that was full of whistles.
After a first half in which there were many opportunities, Benfica clearly excelled In all areas, the Reds lacked shooting (in the first half, they took 12 shots, and only one was converted). Rafa Silva, Joao Mario and Arthur Cabral had chances to score.
The goal ended up arriving at the hour mark from a penalty kick that fell from the sky after Lujan Costa's hand. Di Maria did not flinch. After a few minutes, Benfica's defense was 'stalled', after a poor clearance from Orsnes followed by complacency from Antonio Silva.Which led to Dessler's goal.
A new penalty kick, at the 90th + 5th minute, won by the young Marcos Leonardo, ended in favor of Benfica. Di Maria scored the second goal of the match This left Benfica with the advantage in the second leg of the play-off to qualify for the round of 16 of the Europa League, which will be held at Toulouse Stadium next week.
appearance
Angel Di Maria He was Benfica's top scorer, with much distinction, and coordinated Benfica's attacking game brilliantly. He offered the goal to Rafa Silva in the first half, but the Portuguese was unable to find the goal in the best way. The Argentine's experience was vital.
a surprise
Joao Mario He has appeared more often in the 'disappointment' category than this one, but it must be said that the Portuguese's performance has been better than average this season, as he hit two dangerous shots in the first half. He was inches from the goal on both.
disappointment
Antonio Silva He was not at his best on the occasions when it was really necessary, namely against Toulouse. After a “balloon” from Orsnes, in an unexpected area, Antonio Silva did not attack the ball with his head and allowed a series of rebounds that ended in the Frenchman's goal.
Trainers
Roger Schmidt He was subjected to boos from the fans, but in the first half Benfica produced a very good offensive production, without neglecting the defensive balance. Failed to complete successfully. However, the Reds' second half was poor and they were on the verge of a draw with one of the bottom teams in Ligue 1. Schmidt allowed the team to “sit down” in the second half, which is not recommended.
a team Carles Martinez He was credited with playing in the match, despite being “sacked” in the first half of the match. Toulouse's individuality is clearly a step below Benfica, as are the solutions on the bench. Therefore, the Spaniard can only be satisfied with the result that remains open.
to rule
Lithuanian judge Donatas Ramsas He put in an excellent performance in practice, thanks to good advice from VAR. He only gave yellow cards towards the end of the game, when Toulouse were more aggressive against the Reds, and did well to take the penalties. VAR took a long time to analyze the first goal.
Read also: Schmidt explains the changes that brought about the whistles and admits: “It was complicated”
Read also: A double penalty kick saves Benfica. The Reds visit Toulouse with an advantage
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