TOPS
Even before kick-off, the Stadium made itself heard and claimed the feat. So Téfécé did so, and took out the entry heating blue. As on the first leg, they did not allow themselves to be impressed by those stronger than them, and went after the Benfiquists in their camp, even obtaining the first chances. Strong in the duels, the Violets showed a conquering face, they were the ones who set the tone of the meeting, and they more or less maintained it during the 90 minutes.
Disappointing in the first leg, Donnum made up for it this Thursday evening during the return match. In his right lane, he was spinning and gave Morato, who was responsible for containing him, a hard time. The Norwegian was very intelligent in keeping the ball. Better yet, he constantly provoked and brought danger with his crosses. Like Spierings’ extraordinary failure. Donnum created the Toulouse chances, and made an entire stadium dream with them.
FLOPS
Even if the TFC was satisfactory in most areas of play, only one was missing. And that’s the most important thing: the finish. When it comes time to take stock, there are only regrets. Everyone tried to break the Portuguese barrier, all failed. Sierro first with his powerless shot, Spierings especially with his head a few meters from the opposing cage, then Nicolaisen, and again Spierings. With its 17 shots, Téfécé did not lack opportunities, but success, or realism, as desired.
Author of a double from the penalty spot in the first leg, Angel Di Maria returned to French soil that he knows well, having played there for 7 years. But this time, he did not have his usual success and was even below his usual standard. While Benfica is on the ropes, “El Fideo” has the opportunity to open the scoring for the Lisbon side, but misses the point-blank target from Guillaume Restes’ cage. The rest of the game, he tried to help at the back, and defended as best he could, which was to say very poorly. A few missed passes later, he was taken out by his coach in the 85th minute, and reached the bench under the whistles of the Stadium. Judging by his pout, he didn’t seem very convinced of his part either.
