Real Madrid Edge Hard-fighting Benfica To Win UCL Playoff First-Leg tie
José Mourinho ’s Benfica lost 0-1 goal margin as it hosted his former club, Real Madrid , once more in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) play-offs. Benfica’s participation in the knockout phase play-offs is still nothing short of a miracle, as a 98th-minute goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin on matchday eight of the league phase against Real Madrid secured their spot in the round. Although the Portuguese side has won eight of their last eleven two-legged European ties, coupled with being victorious in four of their last six UCL home matches, with two losses, they still have a great deal of work to do to come out of the playoff. Losing to Real Madrid set them back ahead of the second-set tie at Bernabeu . It took a long time into the second half before Real Madrid found the winning goal, and that took an individual effort from Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian striker darted down the left and rounded a defender before curling the ball into the top corner of the left post. I...
