Reus has been eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Champions League after losing to Benfica in a penalty shootout. The Final Eight was held in Coimbra and featured a close match that required a penalty kick to decide who would advance to the semifinals.
The score ended in a two-goal draw after playing the regulation time and the full extra time. The Portuguese advanced thanks to their greater accuracy in the decisive shots.
Benfica breaks the initial balance with speed
Zé Miranda opened the scoring for the Portuguese team in the fifth minute of play. Reus responded with a strategy based on long possessions of 45 seconds to slow down the dizzying pace of their rivals.
Martí Casas achieved the equalizer with a direct shot during the second half. The lead did not last long for the Catalans because Gonçalo Pinto scored a fortuitous goal seconds later to return the lead to Benfica.
"Julià tied the match at two goals in the final minutes of regular time" - Chronicle of the match in Coimbra
The tension remained until the last second of the ordinary period. Goalkeeper Càndid defended Reus' goal throughout the match against an opponent who arrived without defeats in their group stage or in the domestic championship.
Penalties decide the qualifier in Coimbra
Viti and Joao Rodrigues scored their respective penalties for Benfica with precision. Guillem Jansà missed his attempt for the Catalan team and this proved decisive for their elimination.
The 20-second attacks of the Portuguese team contrasted with the tactical patience of Reus. This difference in rhythms marked the dynamic of a match that was not resolved until the penalty shootout lottery.