Darwin Núñez’s late header took Benfica through to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-2 aggregate win after a battling defensive display in Amsterdam.
Much like the teams’ meeting in Lisbon, the first half was all Ajax. Antony menaced down the right, Dušan Tadić schemed on the left and Ryan Gravenberch gracefully roamed the middle with all the unencumbered ease of a man wearing velvet slippers. Yet for all their dominance, the hosts reached half-time with nothing to show for it.
Soualiho Meïté came on to interrupt Ajax’s flow, and Benfica kept the Dutch side at arm’s length with some comfort until they won a free-kick near the corner flag with 13 minutes left. Álex Grimaldo swung it in and Darwin rose majestically above his marker and past the onrushing André Onana to send the Eagles through.
Reaction
Darwin Núñez, Benfica forward: “We knew we were going to suffer and we did. We had to enjoy it when we had the ball. I am tired. We all ran a lot.”
Dušan Tadić, Ajax captain: “We were the better team. Benfica did nothing, except for one free-kick. We wanted to dominate, and we did, but then in one moment… unbelievable.”
Julien Weigl, Benfica midfielder: “I’m exhausted, but very happy. We had to fight, run and take our chances. The only thing that matters is that we made it through.”
Erik ten Hag, Ajax coach: “Our positional play was excellent. We were very good on the ball. Only the creativity was lacking. It’s bitter that one lapse in concentration and you’re eliminated.”
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