Darwin Núñez shone at the right time with Benfica, unlike Sébastien Haller, transparent. Find the Tops and Flops of the European clash after Benfica’s victory against Ajax (0-1).
Tops
Darwin Núñez, the decisive goalscorer
The scorer of the evening! Many compare him to Edinson Cavani and you have to admit that the Uruguayan shares a lot of similarities with his compatriot. He’s tall, loves to run, has an excellent heading game and even shares a few physical traits with PSG’s top scorer. Tuesday evening, he was omnipresent, multiplying the efforts and knew how to be decisive when necessary. His magnificent header in the 77th minute hurts the morale of Ajax who will not manage to equalize. At only 22, he will undoubtedly be one of the attractions of the next transfer window, especially if Benfica continues to perform as he did against the Dutch club.
Impeccable Grimaldo in front as last
The former Barcelona player was impeccable tonight. He did well in his duels with the twirling Antony and won 7 of his 12 evening duels. He also had all five of his tackles and one interception. Offensively then, the number 3 was a real danger: he managed 4 of his 6 crosses and offered 3 key passes including one, decisive to Núñez on goal. At 26 he becomes a reference in Portugal and will certainly be a centerpiece of his team in the quarter-finals.
The Flops
Sébastien Haller lacks realism in front of goal
It was the only Champions League game this season where he failed to score. With his 11 goals in 8 matches, Haller was eagerly awaited. He could even join Robert Lewandowski at the top of the C1 top scorer rankings this season (12 goals). Unfortunately, the former West Ham striker wasn’t clinical enough. He only got two chances and didn’t target either. Often well served by Tadic and Antony, the Ivorian international (12 selections) seemed heavier than usual and can harbor a lot of regrets.
Everton far too discreet
We had seen very little in the first leg, it was the same in the second leg. With only 14 balls touched until his exit in the 72nd minute, he is the holder who has touched the fewest balls. The 25-year-old Brazilian has won only 4 of his 13 duels and missed both of his dribbles. Steven Berghuis, opposed to him on the ground, easily got rid of the South American threat. You could almost say that Benfica played at 10 until Yaremchuk came on 20 minutes from the end of the game. A match to forget for the former Grêmio player who cost the Portuguese club 20 million euros.