Benfica vs Ligue 1: A History
Benfica have faced French teams more than thirty times in their history -- ahead of OGC Nice taking on the Lisbon club we look back at some of their more memorable clashes. The Portuguese side have more often than not had the upper hand, and Nice will be eager to reverse that trend tomorrow:
1989/90 Champions League semifinals: Benfica 2-2 Marseille
After coming back from a goal down at the Vélodrome thanks to goals from Jean-Pierre Papin and Franck Sauzée, l'OM were stunned late on in Lisbon thanks to a goal scored seven minutes from time by Vata. While OM would have their revenge some 35 years later, and go on to win the competition themselves in 1993, it was nevertheless a stinging defeat.
1997/98 UEFA Cup First Round: SC Bastia 1-0 SL Benfica
Little was expected of the Corsican side, who had reached this stage of the competition after overcoming an underwhelming group. However, after a scoreless draw at the Estadio da Luz, it was all to play for at the Armand Cesari. Coming off the bench, club legend Pierre-Yves André netted with just ten minutes to play, propelling Bastia into a very unlikely place in the next round.
2023/24 Europa League quarterfinals: SL Benfica 2-2 Marseille
Led by an irresistible Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Marseille reached the semifinals of the Europa League at Benfica's expense. After losing the first leg 2-1 in Lisbon, OM needed a win at home to advance, and after a late goal by Faris Moumbagna, they were able to take the tie to penalties, where they scored all four from the spot to progress.
𝐀𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞 ⭐️🕺@Auba 🇬🇦 à la percussion ➕ Faris Moumbagna 🇨🇲 à la finition, qui d’autre que notre duo offensif pour libérer tout un peuple et envoyer nos Olympiens en prolongation !? 🍯💪 #SLBOM#SublimeCôtedIvoire ✨ pic.twitter.com/Etjh3P1xfp
— Olympique de Marseille (@OM_Officiel) April 20, 2024
2024/25 Champions League Knockout Playoff SL Benfica 4-3 AS Monaco
Benfica's most recent matchup against a Ligue 1 side was more fruitful, however. After winning the first leg in the Principality 1-0, aided by Monaco having a man sent off, Benfica had to hold on for dear life at home as a spirited Monégasque side were only beaten by Orkün Kokçu's late equalizer.
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