Fenerbahçe news: Benfica promised much, but boldness went unrewarded | OneFootball

In a match where everyone expected the same eleven, Benfica presented changes with Fenerbahçe, but it didn't work out. Photo: SL Benfica

In the aftermath of the first match for access to the Champions League, where Benfica did not go beyond a 0-0 draw against Fenerbahçe, the press considers that even before the initial whistle of the match, the eagles were already at a disadvantage and all because because Bruno Lage made changes to the eleven, against all expectations.

The newspaper A Bola writes, in its edition of this Thursday, August 21, that the Setúbal native surprised everyone by making changes to an eleven that had guaranteed him three wins in the last three games, leaving Franjo Ivanovic, Andreas Schjelderup, and the 4-4-2 on the bench.

On the other hand, seeming to be a political decision or statement, Bruno Lage bet on the return of Kerem Akturkoglu to the starting lineup, after the Turk saw his transfer to José Mourinho's team fail. With this choice, it is clear that the Reds are counting on the presence of the winger in this playoff.

Who surprised and positively was Richard Rios. In contrast to his uninspired performance in Reboleira, against Estrela Amadora, the Colombian international, in front of the fans who were 'complaining' about the new bet on the midfielder, the number 20 shirt managed to put the Turks in their place, transmitting confidence to the Reds' midfield.

It is worth remembering that Benfica left Istanbul with a 0-0 draw, thus postponing all decisions to the second leg, which will take place next Wednesday, August 27, at the Estádio da Luz. Until then, the eagles will now receive Tondela, a match that aims for the 3rd round of Liga Portugal Betclic, scheduled for Sunday, August 24.

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