No chance of reaching the round of 16: Benfica lose again
Coach Roger Schmidt and Benfica Lisbon have no chance of reaching the knockout round of the Champions League after a desolate performance.
The Portuguese soccer champions also lost their fourth group game 3:1 (0:3) at Real Sociedad San Sebastián. Ex-Dortmund player Mikel Merino (6th minute), Mikel Oyarzabal (11th) and Ander Barrenetxea (21st) sealed the result before the break. Benfica were even lucky not to fall further behind in a puzzling performance, as Brais Méndez (29) hit the post with a penalty.
After the break, Schmidt's team at least improved a little. Rafa Silva (49) scored a quick equalizer, but that was as good as it got for the quarter-finalists from the previous season. Rafa's goal was the first for Benfica in this premier class season.
After four games, Benfica still have zero points and no chance of finishing in the top two places in Group D. The pressure on Schmidt is therefore increasing ahead of the crucial derby against league leaders Sporting Lisbon on Sunday.
Despite the improvement after the break, Real Sociedad's 3-1 victory against Benfica further diminished their chances of advancing in the Champions League. With this loss, Benfica Lisbon has yet to secure a point in the Champions League, putting the future of coach Roger Schmidt under scrutiny as they prepare for the derby against Sporting Lisbon.
Source: www.dpa.com
