Benfica Secures Vital Champions League Win with Clinical Performance in Amsterdam
Key Takeaways
- Samuel Dahl's sixth-minute goal from a corner gave Benfica an early cushion they never relinquished
- Ajax dominated possession at 62.1 percent but couldn't find a way past goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, who made a crucial save on Davy Klaassen's close-range effort
- Leandro Barreiro's 90th-minute counter-attack goal sealed the win and kept Benfica's playoff hopes alive while Ajax remains winless in five Champions League matches
Amsterdam, Netherlands — Benfica breathed new life into their Champions League campaign with a composed 2-0 victory over Ajax Amsterdam at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Tuesday night. The Portuguese side showcased their clinical edge, scoring early through Samuel Dahl before Leandro Barreiro sealed the points with a stoppage-time strike.
The visitors wasted no time establishing their intent, taking the lead in just the 6th minute. Following a corner, Samuel Dahl finished with precision, sending a left-footed shot from the center of the box to the top right corner. The early goal silenced the Amsterdam crowd and set the tone for a disciplined Benfica performance.
Despite controlling 62.1 percent of possession, Ajax struggled to convert their territorial advantage into meaningful opportunities. The Dutch side, still searching for their first Champions League point this season, pressed forward with increasing desperation as the match progressed. Their best chance came in the 33rd minute when Davy Klaassen's right-footed effort from close range was expertly saved by Anatoliy Trubin, preserving Benfica's advantage.
The match grew increasingly tense in the second half, with both sides receiving yellow cards – Wout Weghorst for Ajax in the 69th minute and goalscorer Samuel Dahl for Benfica five minutes later. Ajax manager made three substitutions in the 74th minute in a desperate attempt to find an equalizer, bringing on Oscar Gloukh, Kian Fitz-Jim, and Kasper Dolberg to inject fresh energy into the attack.
However, it was Benfica who would have the final say. In the 90th minute, Fredrik Aursnes launched a devastating counter-attack, finding Leandro Barreiro who delivered a clinical left-footed finish to the top left corner. The goal showcased Benfica's threat on the break and sealed a precious away victory.
The result has significant implications for both clubs in the Champions League standings. Ajax remains rooted to the bottom of the table with zero points from five matches, their hopes of European competition this season effectively extinguished. Benfica, meanwhile, claimed just their second win of the campaign, moving to six points and keeping alive their slim hopes of climbing out of the elimination zone into a playoff position with three matchdays remaining. The Portuguese side will look to build on this momentum when the Champions League resumes in December, while Ajax will be playing only for pride.