Benfica, that is ridiculous
It really happened. In the most dramatic of circumstances, SL Benfica managed to complete a four goal differential swing through a late João Mario long-range pile-driver to pip financial heavyweights PSG to top spot in their Champions League group.
Benfica knew that victory by a large margin was to be required in order to top the group should PSG manage to defeat Juventus in the other final day clash, and with a late flurry of goals - with the match even tied at 1-1 just before the hour mark - Benfica earned a sensational 1-6 win over Maccabi Haifa in Israel.
It was difficult to believe it was happening. It had been difficult to believe it was possible. Going to the home of a side that had beaten Juventus only a matter of weeks ago, a side that also pushed PSG all the way when on home territory, and winning by five clear goals is in itself a hugely impressive achievement. That it also saw them leapfrog PSG made it a historic night - quite literally.
Indeed, this marks the very first time in history that two Portuguese clubs finish in 1st place of their respective Champions League groups in the same season, with Porto having undergone a seismic turnaround of their own, having lost their first two matches of the group stage before rallying to win their final four - becoming only the second side ever to finish 1st in a UCL group having been defeated in the opening two games.
Benfica, however, who were the pot 3 team in their group and underdogs to even make it out of the group stage, have stolen the show when it comes to Portuguese representation in European football this year, this unbeaten campaign in which they picked up 14 points from a possible 18 representing their best ever in Champions League history.
This Maccabi Haifa match epitomised the brilliance of this Benfica team though, as well as their ruthlessness and belief. At half time, the scoreline was 1-1. Even as the hour mark approached, it was one apiece, and Benfica’s task of topping the group looked virtually impossible.
But five goals in the closing half an hour, rounded off by an impeccable Joao Mario long-range effort which was reminiscent to Eder’s Euro 2016 winning goal, ensured Benfica did something extraordinary, condemning PSG to 2nd in the standings.
Financially speaking, Benfica have no right to be able to compete with PSG. They have little right to compete with Juventus, either. It is a sensational overachievement to be able to do so in the modern game, and a borderline humiliation for PSG and their ownership, who have spent almost unfathomable sums of money in an attempt to be competing to win the competition. To fail to even win their group is a major wake-up call.
Under the guidance of Roger Schmidt, this remarkably well balanced and settled Benfica team look like genuine powerhouses in European football - perhaps the most complete and competitive Portuguese side since Porto’s famous outfit of 2004.
With a long wait until the knockout stages are played - and who knows what state Benfica will be when it comes around - there is no guarantee Benfica’s success will endure. But for now, Benfica fans are in dreamland.
