Benfica 1-1 (2-4 on pens) Juventus
The clash between the heavyweights of Portugal and the champions of Italy needs little build-up.
Even with key figures missing, this was an opportunity for the established European favourites and some usual fringe players to test themselves at the Red Bull Arena.
The SBOBET odds pointed to a close encounter, and so it proved in the latest contest of ICC 2018.
Highlights of the game
If the quality of some of the goals in this match are anything to go by, then next season could be brilliant.
Here were two teams in form, with Benfica unbeaten in four matches so far and coming from behind to see off Borussia Dortmund on penalties in their previous match some 72 hours earlier.
Maxi Allegri’s side may have been without the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and, of course, their new signing Cristiano Ronaldo—all resting after the World Cup—but that didn’t prevent them from impressing in their opening game in the tournament against Bayern Munich.
On saying all of that, Higuain may have played his final game for the club if speculation is to be believed. That would be a decision many fans would voice unhappiness over after his superb two seasons in Turin.
And if Leonardo Bonucci returns to Turin, so soon after the deal which shocked Italian football, their progress—particularly in Europe—will be fascinating to gauge.
Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian, formerly of Torino, is also set to return to his homeland with a move to Juventus seemingly likely. The next few weeks on the transfer front should be compelling.
But enough about those who were missing. It was on the pitch where fans marvelled at the latest ICC 2018 results, one which featured two spectacular goals scored.
First, Alex Grimaldo produced a free-kick which left Juve’s substitute goalkeeper Mattia Perin, a replacement for Wojciech Szczesny, helpless.
The number one’s position may not have been perfect when the shot was struck but even if it had been, he may have struggled to reach such a wonderful strike with an incredible dip.
That may have been enough to seal victory, but Juve hit back with a special goal of their own to keep the ICC 2018 odds swinging in their favour.
Luca Clemenza was the marksman after firing a left-footed effort which crashed in off the underside of the bar.
Again, goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos was unable to do anything after the 21-year-old sub dinked past his marker and a number of challenges from the right-hand side.
Earlier, Juventus had hit the crossbar through a bullet Mehdi Benatia header. Despite that, they went on to triumph in a penalty shoot-out (the tournament rules insist drawn matches are decided on spot kicks).
Alex Sandro, linked with a move to Manchester United again this summer, slotted home the winning kick after Jonas hit the woodwork and Perin saved from Joao Felix.
So victory for the ‘Old Lady’ of Turin who stay Stateside, while Benfica head home to more familiar surroundings for their next ICC clash—but a useful exercise for both sides
Key statistics
There was a lengthy delay to the match in the 35th minute.
That was when Benfica’s Argentina international Facundo Ferreyra collided with a teammate, Jardel.
It left Ferreyra out of action as he was stretchered off shortly afterwards wearing a neck brace.
Benfica coach Rui Vitoria will be particularly concerned, as he will also be about Fernandes who limped off late on.
The Portuguese club has a clear edge in meetings between the sides. Juventus have only defeated Benfica once in their competitive encounters, a 3-0 win in Turin during the 1992/93 UEFA Cup.
Benfica have had to sell many of their best players over the last quarter of a century. Among the stars who developed at the Estadio da Luz before moving on are Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic, Paris Saint Germain winger Angel Di Maria, Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson and Atletico Madrid number one Jan Oblak.
What’s next?
Benfica now meet Lyon at the Estadio Algarve before the competitive action begins.
After missing out on the Primera title last season, they face a qualifier for the Champions League and will play Turkish club Fenerbahce in the first leg this August.
It’s two matches in three days next for Allegri’s men. They are set to face MLS All-Stars in an exhibition match before clashing with European champions Real Madrid—the side which has knocked them out of Europe (including in the 2017 final) for the past two seasons—in another ICC encounter.
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