The Women champions league is still generating intense emotional matches and the match between Benfica vs Arsenal in Lisbon was no exception. It was a clash of two clubs that had different histories but with equally good ambitions, namely Arsenal, who was the defending champion, and Benfica, who wanted to demonstrate that they are worthy of being among the best clubs in Europe.
To Arsenal, this was not just another group stage match but it was a test of character following a faltered beginning to the European season. In the case of Benfica, it was an opportunity to prove something on the domestic soil and demonstrate that they are capable of competing with the best of the continent.
The Stakes and the Setting
Before the kickoff, the mood in Lisbon was charged up. The fans of Benfica turned up in great numbers to watch their club face one of the giants in Europe. Arsenal on the other hand came with pressure on their shoulders. They had had a patchy early Champions League shape and, as their main in-form players such as Leah Williamson were out, they were asking themselves whether or not they would be able to find the balance in defense and the spark in attack that would help them hold onto their title.
The strategy of Benfica was simple: remain compact, defend intelligently and counterattack to create any gap that may be created by the aggressive formation of the Arsenal. To the Portuguese champions, this was not about points but it was about pride.
First Half: Arsenal Prefer, Benfica Repel.
Since the initial blow of the whistle, Arsenal dominated. Their midfield trio dictated the pace, passing and creating loopholes in the disciplined back line of Benfica. During the first half, the English side had almost complete possession with both Beth Mead and Kyra Cooney-Cross launching the attacks by the wings and through the centre.
Arsenal however were not able to make the breakthrough despite their dominance. The Benfica defense with Diana Gomes at the center was tall and composed. Whenever the Arsenal team was on the verge of making a breakthrough, a desperate tackle or a timely intercept stopped them. The structure and work pace of the Portuguese side annoyed the rhythm of the Arsenal team, which was reduced to hasty passes and long shots on goal.
Benfica did not go without a threat. Another occasion was discovered on a rare advance forward a passed free-kick caught a looping shot in to Gomes in the box, whose shot brought a fine save by Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar. It was as if to remind that, as long as Arsenal had the ball, Benfica had a silent threat in terms of set pieces and counters.
The initial half had no goals, yet it was not devoid of interest. The possession had not paid off in the hands of Arsenal and the defensive discipline of Benfica had placed them squarely in the game.
Strategy of Battles and Crossroads.
The second half was the same trend Arsenal was going forward, and Benfica was absorbing and striking whenever possible. The English champions trusted much on width, which was seeking to extend the defense, and launch threatening crosses. But the space in Benfica was limited, and the opportunities were few made out.
The biggest challenge facing Arsenal was to convert possession to penetration. They passed the ball in patience but had a difficulty with the last pass – a symptom of lack of that extra edge of stinginess in the attacking third. Benfica, in their turn, seemed to become more and more confident. Their midfield became more aggressive and it disrupted the play and counters were launched with increased confidence.
The strategic difference was intriguing: the controlling power of possession that Wenger Arsenal played against the defensive strength and opportunism of Benfica. It was a chess game that neither of the parties wanted to back down.
Frustration at Arsenal, Spirit at Benfica.
This match had turned into an endurance test by the 70-minute mark. Arsenal resorted to high pressing and rapid passing of the ball yet the back four of Benfica refused to give way. Goalkeeper Lena Pauels was dominating in the air, picking up crosses and holding her defenders together.
The forwards of Arsenal, such as Stina Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord, persisted in their efforts to generate opportunities but Benfica was compact in structure and the forwards were either crowded off or presented with a challenge of shooting. The more time the game remained a draw the greater the confidence Benfica developed.
In the case of Arsenal, frustration started to be noticed. Passes that interlinked in the previous parts of the match were misplaced and final third decision-making became in a hurry. The replacements by Jonas Eidevall, who is the manager, added the momentum but not the miracle. The defending champions were coming to know the difficult way that being on top in possession did not necessarily translate to winning in Europe.
A Result That Speaks Volumes
By the time the final whistle was blown, nothing had changed the scoreboard to 0-0. In the case of Arsenal, it was a case of a wasted opportunity, a night when they did just virtually everything but score goals. In the case of Benfica, it consisted of a statement outcome. The tactical discipline and the increasing maturity as a club were demonstrated by their ability to hold the defending champions at a draw.
This game was an indication of the increased competitiveness of the Women Champions League. Gone are the times when few teams would sail through the group stages. Today, any match involves complete concentration and flexibility. The performance of Benfica showed that even the largest teams could be put on hold with the help of organization, belief, and resilience.
Lessons for Both Sides
In the case of Arsenal, the lessons learnt were obvious. They should be more ruthless on target and more decisive between midfield and attack. The availability of the injured players later in the season would reestablish balance, though at the present, the Gunners have to regain their killer instinct. Their subsequent matches will require more than technical accuracy, they will need mental strength – to remain calm and professional when the pressure is on.
On the other hand, Benfica can continue with this performance. Their defense structure was exceptional, their team work beyond reproach and their dedication unquestionable. Provided that they will be able to transfer this kind of intensity to further matches, especially to those with opponents being nearer to their level, passing through the group stage will become a real possibility.
