On Tuesday, Benfica beat Midtjylland 4-1 with three goals from Gonzalo Ramos and took the decisive step towards the Champions League knockout stages with this comfortable result in the 1st leg of the 3rd qualifying round of the tournament.
Roger Schmidt stayed true to the best team he introduced in pre-season and there were two reinforcements that stood out: Neres with two assists and Enzo Fernandez with one goal. But here we go…
The Danes still surprised in the first minutes with high pressure, but it was a short-lived sun.
Gradually, Benfica adjusted their game and freed themselves from this pressure. The difference in individual technical qualities between the teams is well known. And it was Neres’ technique that began to cause damage (17 minutes) after a good run and a well-aimed cross on the head of Gonzalo Ramos. A goal that freed the team even more. The pair continued to play devilishly in the Midtjylland area, another Neres cross for another Gonzalo Ramos (33′) strike. It was only Benfica and the score was 3-0 on a dead ball. A corner kick from Joao Mario to the edge of the penalty area and a strong shot from Enzo Fernandez that deflected the ball towards Deer before it hit the net.
In the additional stage, Benfica defeated. There was a festival of missed goals… Gonzalo Ramos. Dangerous header (47′), but missed the goalkeeper’s defense and missed the rebound. Ten minutes later, he entered the penalty area, changed the ball to his feet and hit the goalkeeper. But on the third, he still hit the target after a good pass from Rafa.
A few minutes before, Neres and Rafa played one of the most spectacular counterattacks. After a pass in midfield, Neres scored against the Portuguese and hit the crossbar with a bang.
The Eagles adapted, and the Danes reduced the penalty, punishing Morato for being incautious. Sixtus was brought down to Panenka. An honest triumph, but these could be historical figures.
Dean Kyiv or storm Graz in the playoffs
If they beat Midtjylland in this 3rd qualifying round for promotion to the Champions, Benfica will face the winner of the match between Dynamo Kyiv (Ukraine) and Sturm Graz (Austria) in the playoffs (last level before the group stage). ). The first game will be played away (August 16 or 17) and the second in Luz (August 23 or 24).
Kiev “Dynamo” on the way has already left the “Fenerbahce” Jorge Jesus. At home he played in Poland.
“Now we need to think about Arok”
“Now we have to think about Arok, at the start of the League, and only then do we think about Midtjylland.” It was with such pragmatism that Roger Schmidt approached the game in front of the Danes.
The Benfica coach was pleased with the preparation of his players. “It was our first test and we showed confidence on the pitch. We made this game easy, with smooth football and created many scoring chances.”
Asked about Gonzalo Ramos’ night of sleep after scoring three of his four goals, the coach was not euphoric: “He played a good game, but it feels like he could have scored three more.”
Schmidt also took the opportunity to praise the young Portuguese forward’s “physical strength” who knew how to take advantage of the “good performances” of David Neres and João Mário.
Regarding the play-off guarantee, the German coach said: “We were able to take advantage of the domestic factor to achieve a result that gives good guarantees for the second leg.”
Odysseus, Grimaldo and Ramos: the beginning of a trio with an uncertain future
Goalkeeper Odysseas, left-back Grimaldo and striker Gonzalo Ramos (hat-trick scorer) returned on Tuesday to unify Benfica’s starting line-up. However, there is still a lot of uncertainty about the future of the three players as the SAD, with the consent of Roger Schmidt, allows players to be sold. Less than a month is left before the market closes.
game analysis
Good point: Ramos hat-trick
Gonzalo Ramos had a glorious night, scoring three goals. He missed just as many clear finishing opportunities, but the truth is that this time he took advantage of the first two, leading the team to an easy triumph.
Negative: Midtjylland Defense
The goalkeeper from 2.01 meters, who conceded two goals with his head, demonstrates the complete failure of the defense. Very passive and forgiving in attacking the ball. It was used by Benfica, which even returned to shine on dead balls. Very weak.
Arbitration: Referee allows play
The Spanish referee was in good shape. He allowed play and was reasonable in the fouls he signaled. Right on the penalty Morato over Paulinho, who gave a goal to the Dane.
Player Analysis
Gonzalo Ramos – The Portuguese striker wants to be the team’s goalkeeper and has the potential to do so. On Tuesday they scored three, but they could have doubled. It could be the Darwin of our era…
odyssey – I didn’t make a save, I conceded from the penalty spot.
Gilberto – Without much effort, he accelerated the game on the right flank.
otamendi – The head of the team received a yellow card early, but dried up the attackers.
moratorium “He was fine until he took an unnecessary penalty. He blamed touch.
grimaldo – A good game to prove that the case for the end of the previous season has already been completed.
Florentine – He is more of a player, but in an argument for the ball he must show more muscles.
Enzo Fernandez – Great even in small details. He is one of the players who shoots best from the edge of the court.
Joao Mario “He wants to take his place and be important in the team’s maneuver.
unres – The motorcycle on the right smashed the opponent in several moments of the game. Two gears, iron ball. This Brazilian winger plays a lot.
Rafa – Bicycle across the field. Interesting details, others annoying, but when you feel like it… play a lot.
Yaremchuk – The Ukrainian wants to fight for a place under the sun in the national team, gets along well with his team-mate Araujo …
Enrique Araujo – The young man really wanted to score a goal, but he was let down by anxiety.
Chiquinho “Apparently he’s telling Roger Schmidt. You must do this for life.
Author: Mario Figueiredo as well as Luis Oliveira
Source: CM Jornal
