PSG Vs Benfica: Match Overview, Player Ratings, And Performance
Even though Lionel Messi broke yet another UEFA Champions League record, Paris Saint-Germain could not defeat Benfica, who secured a 1-1 draw.
PSG Vs Benfica: Match Overview
In the 22nd minute, an excellent combination between Neymar and Kylian Mbappe allowed Messi to swoop in and be the first player to score in the Champions League against 40 different opponents. To level the score at the Estadio da Luz, Danilo Pereira awkwardly headed Enzo Fernandez’s cross into his own goal.
While his team continues to lead Group H in goals scored, PSG manager Christophe Galtier missed the opportunity to become the third manager in the club’s history to win his first three Champions League games.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, who had the busier first half of the two goalies, produced crucial saves to halt Goncalo Ramos and David Neres as Benfica outpaced the initial adjustments.
However, PSG seized the lead. First, their deadly offensive trinity combined before Messi combined a beautiful goal into the left corner, making it 1-0. They became the first player to score in the Champions League against 40 opponents. process.
However, just before the break, Benfica equalized when Pereira’s goal was scored after Fernandez’s teaser cross was directed into it. Just after the half, Neymar of PSG missed the top of the bar with a header after Odisseas Vlachodimos parried an attempt from Achraf Hakimi.
Again stopping shots from Neymar and Hakimi, the Benfica goalkeeper saved the best for last by stopping Kylian Mbappe’s long-range attempt from going into the top corner.
Player Ratings And Performance
⭐ Gianluigi Donnarumma: 8/10
Donnarumma put up a great shot-blocking performance while being active for 90 minutes. But he also significantly impacted PSG’s ability to continue competing.
Benfica frequently exploited PSG’s defensive weaknesses and produced numerous excellent scoring opportunities. Goncalo Ramos, David Neres, and Antonio Silva were all stopped by Donnarumma, the Italian goalkeeper, who was solid as a rock in front of the net. He only gave up a goal, thanks to a fortuitous rebound from his defender.
⭐ Sergio Ramos: 5/10
Ramos did not play well, and the previous Real Madrid captain did not put on a strong performance. He engaged in five duels, only one of which he won, and took multiple clearances and just one interception. While he moved well and distributed the ball, some of the passes he played to Danilo were dubious and nearly stolen by the Benfica press.
⭐ Marquinhos: 6/10
Benfica’s assault on PSG’s defense, which had its hands full, was led by Marquinhos. In the run-up to Benfica’s goal, he did a good job off-balancing Ramos, while attempting a shot. However, he was surprised by a crossing from the left flank. The Brazilian completed three clearances and one tackle, winning seven of his 11 duels.
⭐ Danilo Pereira: 4/10
In recent games, Danilo Pereira had done a fantastic job settling into and owning the center-back position. But the former FC Porto player had a disastrous-level, error-filled performance.
The entire game, he passed his box around nervously and shakily. While Ramos’s passes got him into trouble, so it wasn’t entirely his fault, he was still to blame for Benfica’s own goal toward the end of the first half. By using his head to deflect a teaser in-swinger beyond a hapless Donnarumma, he managed to save a point for Benfica.
⭐ Achraf Hakimi: 6/10
The Moroccan right-back put forth a passable effort, making effective runs while utilizing his speed and the space made available to him. Hakimi was active on the right side of the field with his overlapping, and his attempt to make it 2-1 went straight at the Benfica goalkeeper.
⭐ Vitinha: 7/10
Vitinha and Marco Verratti both performed admirably in the middle of the field. He was a dynamic presser who used his smooth passing and sweeping long balls to assist PSG advance the ball upfield.
⭐ Marco Verratti: 7/10
Verratti appeared poised when he had the ball but lacked PSG’s customary level of game management. The midfield pivot also occasionally appeared to be under siege by Benfica’s pressure. Even so, the Italian midfielder displayed some wonderful touches and interceptions while in control. He put in a defensive effort, making no less than five tackles, and won 13 of his 20 fought duels while attempting 102 throws with a 91% accuracy rate.
⭐ Nuno Mendes: 6/10
Mendes occupied high-up on the field advanced positions but had little impact in the first half. Before being forced to leave the game in the second half due to injury, he performed well overall.
⭐ Lionel Messi: 8.5/10
Messi was in his element, effortlessly gliding past opponents. After 22 minutes, he gave PSG the lead with a curling shot from the edge of the box. He appeared eager to score and was awarded a well-executed goal.
Messi produced three crucial passes while winning all seven of his duels. He finished all five attempts, which is impressive for a 35-year-old. Player of the game.
⭐ Neymar: 7/10
The Brazilian attacker played a significant role in the contest. He dribbled with style and worked well with his teammates. He contributed to Messi’s first goal with a wonderful lay-off and was denied a magnificent effort in the later part when his spectacular overhead kick hit the crossbar. With a strong free kick, he also tested the Benfica goalkeeper. Eight of his 15 duels were wins, and he completed four dribbles.
⭐ Kylian Mbappe: 6/10
Mbappe had a rough night as he looked the worst of PSG’s renowned MNM front-three and was just plain out of it. Despite having a hand in Messi’s goal, Benfica’s defense restrained the 23-year-old to just one attempt on goal, a curling effort from distance that was stopped by a spectacular touch save from Vlachodimos in the second half. He was sloppy and frequently threw the ball away, and he was flagged offside on a game-high three occasions.
