Benfica, on August 20, stood firm against the roar of Fenerbahçe and the weight of adversity, grinding out a 0-0 draw in their Champions League playoff first leg at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.
Reduced to 10 men late in the second half, the Portuguese giants leaned on grit, discipline, and the brilliance of goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin to leave Turkey with everything still on the line.
Storm Without Firepower
Fenerbahçe began with intent, their fans thundering behind every forward surge. Yet for all their early aggression, the hosts struggled to break down Benfica’s organized shape. Kerem Akturkoglu’s fizzing free-kick and Sebastian Szymanski’s long-range strike were comfortably dealt with, setting the tone for Trubin’s commanding evening between the posts.
Turning Point: Luís Sees Red
The balance shifted on 70 minutes when Florentino Luís picked up a second yellow card, leaving Benfica a man short. With the noise in the stands rising, Fenerbahçe sensed blood and threw numbers forward, testing Benfica’s resilience.
The breakthrough seemed to arrive when Youssef En-Nesyri tucked the ball into the net, only for VAR to intervene and rule him narrowly offside—relief washing over the visitors as the scoreline remained frozen.
Trubin the Fortress
If Benfica’s backline was a wall, Trubin was the gatekeeper. The Ukrainian shot-stopper produced save after save, marshaling his defense and frustrating Fenerbahçe’s forwards. His performance ensured Benfica not only survived but emerged with a precious clean sheet—their fifth of the campaign.
The Road to Lisbon
This goalless draw sets up a winner-takes-all clash at Estádio da Luz. Benfica carry the confidence of having weathered Istanbul’s storm, while Fenerbahçe must now prove they can score in Portugal to keep their Champions League dream alive.
Key Takeaways
Benfica’s Resilience: Survival instinct turned into a statement of intent.
Trubin’s Command: Goalkeeper’s heroics kept Lisbon’s hopes intact.
Lisbon Decider: The tie remains perfectly balanced—0-0, 90 minutes, everything at stake.
