Can Benfica end their long-awaited trophy drought?

12/04/2024

In the first leg of the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals, Benfica hosted Marseille. 

Fielding their strongest lineup, their sole objective was to defeat their opponents and lay the groundwork for reaching the semifinals. Ultimately, they succeeded.

Benfica 2-1 Marseille

Silva's goal in the first half broke the deadlock. Shortly after the start of the second half, Benfica launched a counterattack, with Di María calmly slotting home in the penalty area to further extend their lead.

Silva's early goal for Benfica!1-0!

Leading 2-0, Benfica had the upper hand. However, a defensive mistake allowed Aubameyang to score on a breakaway, reducing the deficit to 1-2.

Di Maria's goal led Benfica 2-0!

Fortunately, Benfica did not make any further errors and ultimately emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. 

Next week, they will travel to Marseille, needing only to avoid defeat to secure a spot in the semifinals. 

Aubameyang scores on a one-on-one to pull one back!

Even if they concede one goal, they still have a chance to advance through extra time.

Due to their poor performance in the UEFA Champions League group stage, Benfica failed to advance and were relegated to the UEFA Europa League. 

Luckily, they managed to regain their form and, after reaching the quarterfinals, secured another victory at home against Marseille, bringing them one step closer to the semifinals.

Can Benfica achieve success in the Europa League?
 

On this night, Benfica also received some good news: in the same bracket, Liverpool suffered a humiliating 0-3 defeat at home to Atalanta, leaving the Premier League powerhouse on the brink of elimination.

If Benfica can make it to the semifinals, they will face Atalanta, significantly boosting their chances of progressing. 

AC Milan defeat 0-1 at home to Roma

Additionally, AC Milan also suffered a 0-1 defeat at home to Roma and are also at risk of being eliminated.

Liverpool and AC Milan were considered favorites to win the UEFA Europa League this season. If these two powerhouses are knocked out, it will completely change the dynamics of the competition.

Atalanta 3 goals beat Liverpool!

For Benfica, this year undoubtedly presents a golden opportunity to end their European trophy drought. 

Although Bayer Leverkusen poses a tough challenge, their strength is not significantly greater than that of Benfica and Roma. 

Can Di Maria lead Benfica for the trophy?

Under Di María's leadership, Benfica have a chance to lift the trophy.

Of course, the prerequisite is to eliminate Marseille. Only by smoothly advancing to the semifinals can they compete for the title. 

Break the curse?

As a European powerhouse, Benfica's more than half-century-long drought in European competitions is incredibly strange. It's high time they break this curse!