Ajax 0-1 Benfica Highlights: Ajax KNOCKED OUT – Always a concern for any side that dominates a two-legged tie without establishing a lead, Ajax slip out of the Champions League to a steadfast Benfica side that defended stoutly and struck from a second-half set-piece. As the game wore on, it became clear that the Eredivisie outfit were merely retreading the same paths, while their Portuguese rivals seemed content to hope for a lucky break but Onana’s error proved costly to them. Follow InsideSport.IN for the latest Champions League updates.
Ajax 0-1 Benfica Highlights: Darwin Nunez scores the only goal in Amsterdam as Ajax are KNOCKED OUT of the Champions League by Benfica
Such drama wasn’t required, though, as Nunez capitalised on Onana’s error to send the Eagles flying into the quarter-finals. The victory extends Benfica’s unbeaten run to eight matches in all competitions, and after winning only one of their last 14 away Champions League matches (qualifying excluded) they reach the last eight of Europe’s elite competition with a first win against Ajax in seven games since 1969.
⏰ RESULTS ⏰
🔴⚪️ Renan Lodi nods winner at Old Trafford as Atlético book spot in quarter-finals
🦅 Núñez heads in only goal in Amsterdam to send Benfica into last 8
Which side has the better chance in next round❓#UCL
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 15, 2022
Ajax 0-1 Benfica Highlights: Ajax KNOCKED OUT of the Champions League
Darwin Núñez’s 77th-minute winner stunned the Johan Cruyff Arena as Benfica progress after a smash-and-grab victory in the Netherlands. The sides were level from the first leg in Lisbon and Ajax set about nipping ahead from the off with Antony’s header at the back post glancing just wide after two minutes.
Ryan Gravenberch’s long-range effort was then tipped over by Odysseas Vlachodimos as the Eredivisie side continued to knock on the door for the breakthrough. But they couldn’t manage it and the visitors produced the decisive moment in this tie with their only shot on target of the night.
Álex Grimaldo’s free-kick caught Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana out and Núñez leapt highest to glance the ball home. Nélson Veríssimo’s side reach the quarter-final stage for the first time since 2016 leaving Erik ten Hag wondering how his team didn’t manage to score on the night.
Ajax 0-1 Benfica Highlights: Darwin Nunez scores the only goal in Amsterdam as Ajax are KNOCKED OUT of the Champions League by Benfica
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