The fifth matchday of the Champions League delivered a nail-biting encounter between Benfica and Inter, ending in a 3-3 draw at Da Luz.
The home team dominated the first half, taking a three-goal lead with a hat-trick from former player Joao Mario, capitalizing on three errors from the Nerazzurri defense.
Inter seemed down and out, but in the second half, they staged an incredible comeback, scoring three goals in twenty minutes through Arnautovic, Frattesi, and Sanchez’s penalty.
In the closing moments, Benfica sought the winning goal but found themselves reduced to ten men after Antonio Silva’s expulsion and narrowly escaped conceding the fourth goal with Barella hitting the post in the 95th minute.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions and twists, with both teams displaying character and quality. Benfica started strong, pressuring Inter with fast and aggressive play.
In the 5th minute, Joao Mario, set up by a teammate’s header, beat Audero from close range; after 13 minutes, Joao Mario doubled the lead with a shot from inside the box.
The third goal for Benfica came in the 34th minute, once again from Joao Mario, exploiting another mistake from the Nerazzurri defense to beat the goalkeeper.
Inter from the hell to paradise
Inter seemed without a response, but in the second half, they turned the tide. In the 53rd minute, Arnautovic pulled one back with a header from Sanchez’s cross.
At 58th minute, Frattesi made it 2-3 with a shot from inside the box after a well-worked team move. In the 72nd minute, Inter completed the comeback with Sanchez converting a penalty, awarded for a handball by Antonio Silva.
Benfica did not give up and tried to win the game but encountered an outstanding Audero, who saved everything he could. In the 90th minute, Antonio Silva was sent off for a foul on Barella, leaving Benfica with ten men.
At the end of the match, Barella came close to securing the victory with a shot that hit the post.
The match concluded with a 3-3 score, leaving both teams with a bitter taste; for Benfica, seeing a three-goal lead vanish in a few minutes, and for Inter, the taste of an incredible victory after a lackluster first half.
A game that will be remembered for its intensity and entertainment.
UEFA OFFICIAL SITE –>link
Champions League page –>link
