OM vs Benfica: A Detailed Match Analysis
When it comes to European football, the clash between Olympique de Marseille (OM) and SL Benfica is always a highly anticipated event. The two clubs have a rich history of success and have faced each other numerous times on the continent. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of the OM vs Benfica match, including team statistics, key moments, and player performances.
Team Statistics
Before we dive into the match itself, let’s take a look at the team statistics for both OM and Benfica leading up to the game.
| Team | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded | Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| OM | 15 | 5 | 60% |
| Benfica | 12 | 7 | 55% |
As we can see from the table above, OM has been in better form leading up to the match, with a higher win percentage and more goals scored. However, Benfica has been relatively solid defensively, only conceding 7 goals in their last 12 games.
Key Moments
The match between OM and Benfica was a thrilling encounter, filled with key moments that could have gone either way. Let’s take a look at some of the standout moments from the game.
In the 20th minute, OM’s winger, Thomas Lemar, received a pass in the box and unleashed a powerful shot that was saved by Benfica’s goalkeeper, Rui Patricio. The rebound fell to another OM attacker, who was unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
On the other end, Benfica’s striker, Jonas, had a chance to break the deadlock in the 35th minute. He received a cross from the left wing, but his header was cleared off the line by OM’s defender, Steve Mandanda.
The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when OM’s midfielder, Dimitri Payet, found himself in space on the left wing. He crossed the ball into the box, where Andrej Kramaric was able to tap in the ball, giving OM the lead.
Benfica responded quickly, equalizing in the 65th minute through a well-executed counter-attack. A long ball from the defense found Jonas, who calmly slotted the ball past OM’s goalkeeper, Steve Mandanda.
The match remained goalless until the 85th minute, when OM’s defender, Kalidou Koulibaly, was penalized for a handball in the box. Benfica’s substitute, Rafa Silva, stepped up to take the penalty and scored, giving Benfica the lead.
In the dying minutes of the match, OM mounted a late surge in search of an equalizer. However, they were unable to find the back of the net, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Player Performances
Several players stood out in the OM vs Benfica match, both for their performances and their impact on the game.
For OM, Dimitri Payet was the standout performer. The French midfielder was instrumental in creating goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates and was a constant threat in the attacking third.
On the other side, Benfica’s goalkeeper, Rui Patricio, was in top form, making several crucial saves to keep his team in the match.
Jonas, the Benfica striker, also had a solid performance, scoring the equalizer and creating several chances for his teammates.
Overall, the OM vs Benfica match was a showcase of European football’s best talents, with both teams giving their all to secure a victory.
