Benfica Secures Europa League Spot in Chiller of a Finale
Nail-biting moments and dramatic twists were aplenty in the final round of Champions League group stage matches. One team that emerged victorious in the last-minute thriller was Benfica Lisbon, snatching the third spot from the jaws of defeat and securing their berth in the Europa League. Let's dive into the nail-biting action that transpired.
Benfica's Last-Gasp Victory over FC Salzburg
Crucial moments in the game between Roger Schmidt's Benfica and FC Salzburg saw Ángel Di María and Rafa Silva rack up the scores for the Portuguese side in the first half (32nd and 45.+1 minutes, respectively). However, Luka Sučić's goal for the Austrians in the 57th minute sparked a tense second half, with Benfica's ambition scarce as they clung onto their one-goal lead.
Embed Questionable Penalty Calls
Actually, both penalties were highly controversial - Przemyslaw Frankowski for FC Salzburg was awarded a dubious spot-kick (63'), with Sergio Ramos equalizing for Sevilla FC (80') minutes later, but a debatable decision by referee Felix Zwayer.
The decider came in the form of a last-minute hero, Arthur Cabral. With only two minutes left on the clock, Cabral secured an unimaginable win for Benfica under crushing pressure, sealing their spot in the Europa League. Frustratingly for FC Salzburg, they are now out of European competition for the year.
Sevilla FC Tumble out of the Champions League
Hoping to defend their Europa League title, Sevilla FC were eager for survival in the Champions League group phase, but the embattled Spanish side was overpowered by RC Lens's smoother playing style. Sevilla reeled in frustration as the hosts secured a 2-1 (0-0) victory, thanks to Angel Fulgini's winner in the 90.+6th minute. Nevertheless, it was an insufficient score to sustain Sevilla in Europe through the winter months.
Embed Controversial Referee Decisions
Two highly debatable decisions by Felix Zwayer played a significant role in the French vs. Spanish clash: Zwayer awarded a questionable penalty to Przemyslaw Frankowski, who then scored for FC Salzburg, only for Sergio Ramos's equalizer to be awarded with another controversial penalty decision, but the goalkeeper had moved prematurely.
The journey to defend their Europa League title ended bitterly for Sevilla FC as they finished in fourth place, behind LPFC. Their dominance in Europe with seven UEFA Cup or Europa League titles now seems faint.
Manchester United Elimination
In other action, Manchester United's campaign in the Champions League was brought to an abrupt end with an unexpected turn of events during the second match of PSV Eindhoven and FC Arsenal. Although the two teams were already confirmed as group runners-up and winners, respectively, their battle netted only an uninspired 1-1 (0-1) draw.
With the Dutch giants, PSV, securing a place in the group's runner-up position, the Champions League campaign drew to a close for Manchester United. Instead, they will find themselves competing in lesser European tournaments next season, a far cry from their previous aspirations.
Inter Milan and Real Sociedad Advance
Inter Milan and Real Sociedad San Sebastian fought it out for the top spot, with the Italians emerging victorious in a 0-0 stalemate, which saw them clinch first place based on goal difference. Racing Club Lens' draw against Sevilla FC prompted the Spanish side to relinquish their position in the next round.
SSC Napoli and FC Copenhagen Qualify
FTC Braga and SSC Napoli locked horns in a tense encounter, with the Neapolitan side overpowering their Portuguese counterparts 2-0 (2-0), thanks to an own goal from Serdar Saatci (9') and top striker Victor Osimhen's (33') conversion. The result secured the second spot for Napoli and propelled them to the next round.
In a surprising turn of events, FC Copenhagen also clinched a spot in the Europa League round of 16 by pipping Galatasaray in a 1-0 win. With Lukas Lerager's decisive goal at the 58th minute, the Danish side ensured their presence in the top-tier European competition for the second time since the 2010/2011 season.
In the Wake of the Action
It was a rollercoaster finale to the Champions League group stage, with last-minute heroics and heart-wrenching setbacks among the themes that played out. Several European sides will have to make do with a lower tier of competition next season, while others will relish the challenge of contending for continental glory.
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Editor's Note:
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