Pedro Henriques analyses possible penalty in Benfica v Napoli: decisive

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·11. Dezember 2025

Pedro Henriques analyses possible penalty in Benfica v Napoli: decisive

The former referee Pedro Henriques gives a positive assessment of the refereeing team's work in the match between Sport Lisboa e Benfica and Napoli. The expert considered that the match referee made the right calls during the crucial moments of the Champions League encounter, particularly in a controversial play in the Italian area that initially raised doubts in the Luz stands, involving the Eagles' Luxembourgish midfielder.

“Good decision not to call anything”

Regarding Leandro Barreiro's fall in the area, the analyst validated the referee's decision to let play continue. “A good example of a play where the viewing angle is crucial to understanding what really happened. Only with the images from behind the goal did we see that Elmas, by stretching his right leg, only touched the ball with his foot, not tripping or kicking Leandro Barreiro. Good decision not to call anything.”

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Regarding the 1-0, Pedro Henriques dispelled any doubts about a possible irregular control. “The first goal by the Reds, scored by Richard Ríos, was not preceded by any infraction. There was doubt about which part of the body the ball, which had ricocheted off Franjo Ivanovic, had touched, specifically if it had been the arm, but the replay is clear and shows it was the shoulder, a legal area.”

Benfica stays alive in the Champions and sets sights on Moreirense

The disciplinary management also received positive marks, specifically regarding a card shown to the Italians. “A tactical foul means it is an infraction aimed at stopping and disrupting a play, allowing the team to regroup and recover positionally on the field. This is what happened with this charge/push from behind by Noa Lang on Ivanovic. Well-deserved yellow card.”

With this crucial victory, Sport Lisboa e Benfica now has six points on the table, keeping alive the dream of making it to the play-off of the millionaire competition. The team led by José Mourinho will be back in action next Sunday, when they visit Moreirense, at 18:00, to play the 14th round of the Liga Portugal Betclic.

Frequently Asked Questions about Benfica - Napoli

Was Leandro Barreiro's play a penalty? No. According to Pedro Henriques, the images prove that the Napoli player only touched the ball and did not trip the Reds' midfielder.
Was Benfica's first goal legal? Yes. The ball hit Ivanovic's shoulder, a permitted area, and Richard Ríos was in a legal position at the time of the deflection.
What is Benfica's situation in the Champions? With this victory, the Eagles have six points and remain in the race for access to the competition's play-off.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.