Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus won in the Champions League on Wednesday, but Atletico Madrid were beaten at home by Benfica.
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It was a clinical display of counter-attacking football from the Portuguese champions, who had gone behind after 23 minutes courtesy of an Angel Correa goal for Atletico.
Benfica’s next opponents Galatasaray are last in the group alongside Astana with one point each.
Real Madrid are set to welcome back James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos from their injury layoffs ahead of Sunday’s clash against Atletico Madrid, according to Madrid-based daily AS. “But we know we still have a long way to go in front of us”.
Benfica levelled the match, however, after 37 minutes when Argentinian playmaker Gaitan got on the end of a hopeful cross into the box and fired a venomous left-footed strike beyond Jan Oblak.
Gaitan powered forward, beating Godin before crossing for Goncalo Guedes who provided a classy finish from a tight angle.
An end-to-end game was witnessed at the Vicente Calderon – where Los Colchoneros last lost on the continent to Rubin Kazan in February 2013 – with both teams going for the kill from the outset.
Sevilla also have injury problems of their own, but Unai Emery’s side will view this as the chance to give a few impetus to their season after beating Rayo Vallecano a week ago.
That’s actually Benfica’s only ever away win versus a Spanish side.
Benfica: Julio Cesar; Semedo, Luisao, Jardel, Eliseu; Nelsinho, Samaris, Andre Almeida, Gaitan; Jonas, Jimenez.
It was the third loss of the season for Atletico in eight matches, and the second at home.
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Benfica issued a statement after the game “apologizing to Atletico Madrid and its fans” for the bad behavior of a few of its fans who were at the Vicente Calderon and caused problems with the rival crowd.
