Messi sends PSG into the Champions League with a fine goal, but Benfica draw thanks to an own goal

One of the highlights of Wednesday’s Champions League programme was the clash between the two 100 per cent Group H teams. Benfica hosted a star-studded PSG at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. It was also a match between the leaders of the Portuguese and French leagues. How did the match go?

The starting line-up of the team led by German coach Roger Schmidt included ex-Slav Alexander Bah, who with his teammates had to defend attacks led by the trio Messi, Neymar, Mbappé. Visiting coach Christophe Galtier could not count on the injured Kimpembe or Sanches.

Benfica had their first big chance after eight minutes. Gonçalo Ramos, after a good run in behind the defence, was unable to beat goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from close range, who parried the shot with his left foot.

The team from the Portuguese capital continued to be more dangerous. The Italian goalkeeper made another difficult and important save at the end of the opening 20 minutes against a shot from the penalty area by Nerez.

However, it was the Parisians who took the lead in the 22nd minute. After a neat combination of three of the biggest offensive aces, Messi technically fired a shot from just outside the hexagon. The Argentine’s deft left-footed shot sent the ball from the first to the far post of Vlachodimos’ goal.

António Silva could have equalised a quarter of an hour later after a corner, but Donnarumma dealt with his hard shot into the middle of the PSG net. In the 41st minute, the home side’s joy erupted after an unfortunate run by defender Danilo, who knocked Fernandez’s centre into his own net.

The visitors were responsible for the first flurry after the change of sides moments after the break. First Vlachodimos defused a great goal scoring opportunity from Hakimi, then the Greek gloveman was helped by the crossbar after Neymar’s scissors.

The 30-year-old Brazilian notched another finish in the 55th minute, directing his long-range direct free-kick between the three posts but into the hands of Lisbon’s clear-cut goalkeeper. Then, after an hour of play, Vlachodimos had the upper hand against a second nasty attempt from Achraf Hakimi.

In the 67th minute, with his centre from a standard situation from a significant angle on the right side of the pitch, Grimaldo aimed at the head of home captain Otamendi. However, he only shouldered the ball into the net. Mbappé also had an interesting opportunity of his own from the ensuing action, but his shot from outside the box was again met by a heavy tackle from Vlachodimos.

81. the minute brought a big opportunity for Benfica when Rafa Silva hit Donnarumma’s body from close range after his cross into the area. Messi’s spell in the match ended immediately afterwards, with PSG’s only successful goalscorer replaced by midfielder Pablo Sarabia.

Although the Parisian team was the more active team during the second half, they did not score the winning goal. The best club in the history of the Primeira Liga therefore backed up their successful performance so far in this year’s prestigious competition with a valuable 1-1 draw with one of the biggest favourites to win the Eared Cup.

Behind the seven-point unbeaten PSG and Benfica, Juventus are third in the Group H table. The Turin side beat Maccabi Haifa 3-1 in a direct battle for the first point.

Source: UEFA