Benfica's UEFA Europa League Quarter-Final first leg match against Marseille was an intense and exciting soccer duel.
The match started with both sides showing a strong desire to attack. Benfica's Rafa Silva was particularly active in the early stages of the match, bringing a lot of pressure to Marseille's backline with his excellent dribbling and shooting skills.
In the 16th minute of the match, Benfica had a great opportunity to attack. Tennstedt passed the ball to Rafa Silva from the right side of the field, and the latter fired a right-footed shot into the corner of the goal like a cannonball. The Marseille goalkeeper tried his best to save the ball, but the angle was too tricky and he could only watch the ball enter the net. Benfica leads Marseille 1-0.
Marseille then tried to equalize by stepping up their attack, but Benfica's defense was solid and didn't give their opponents too many chances. In the 32nd minute, Rafa Silva once again showed his individuality by flicking the ball with his heel inside the box to João Neves on the outside. The latter took a decisive shot, but the ball was held firmly by Marseille goalkeeper Pau Lopez.
Benfica extended their lead again just before the end of the first half. Di Maria set up an attack in the middle of the pitch and he deftly laid the ball off to Neres. Neres played a reverse triangle pass to Di Maria in the box, who calmly pushed the ball into the net with his left foot to make it 2-0.
Marseille stepped up their attack at the start of the second half, hoping to salvage their defeat. In the 67th minute, Unahi got a shot on goal in front of the net, but his shot was blocked by Benfica defender Antonio Silva. However, just when Benfica thought they could hold on to the score, Aubameyang suddenly struck. He received a pass from a teammate in the box and pushed the ball with his right foot to equalize the goal for Marseille, making the score 2-1.
Thereafter, the two sides engaged in a fierce battle of offense and defense. Aubameyang had a free kick opportunity in the 85th minute, but his shot went just wide of the goal. In stoppage time, Soglo's cross and Unahi's long-range shot from outside the area were both deflected by Benfica goalkeeper Troubin.
In the end, Benfica prevailed over Marseille with a 2-1 win after 90 minutes of intense fighting.
