Ex-Benfica keeper on Champions blunder: it happened to me too… | OneFootball

The name of Antonín Kinský has been in the spotlight following the early substitution in the game against Atlético Madrid, after conceding three goals in the opening minutes of the match. This situation led Mile Svilar, former Benfica goalkeeper and currently at Roma, to recall a similar episode he experienced in his own career against Manchester United, in the 2017/2018 season.

In statements to Sky Sport Italia, the Belgian keeper - recently praised by Daniele de Rossi - showed empathy with the young goalkeeper. "Something similar happened to me eight years ago. I also made a mistake on my Champions League debut and it took me a few years to overcome it. I feel sorry for him, but I have seen him play several times and, in my opinion, he will be a great goalkeeper. This incident will only help him reach that level", he stated.

The episode recalled by Svilar happened during his debut in the UEFA Champions League, when he was guarding the Benfica goal against Manchester United, coached by José Mourinho. In that match, held at Estádio da Luz, the goalkeeper failed to handle a lateral free-kick and, while trying to catch the ball, ended up letting it cross the goal line, in a play that resulted in the only goal of the match and the defeat of the team by 1-0.

At the end of the game, visibly shaken, Svilar received support from several players on the field, including compatriot Romelu Lukaku, in a gesture that remained in the goalkeeper's memory and today serves as a reference when talking about difficult moments in a young athlete's career.

This season, wearing the Roma jersey, Mile Svilar - valued at 35 million euros - participated in 36 official matches: 28 in Serie A, seven in the Europa League, and one in the League Cup. In the 3,240 minutes he was on the field, the Belgian conceded 29 goals.

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