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

In the aftermath of the first Champions League qualifying match, where Benfica managed only a goalless draw against Fenerbahçe, the press believes that even before the starting whistle of the match, the Eagles were already at a disadvantage due to Bruno Lage making changes to the starting eleven, against all expectations.

The newspaper A Bola writes in its Thursday edition, August 21, that the Setubal native surprised everyone by making changes to a team that had secured him three victories in the last three matches, thus leaving Franjo Ivanovic, Andreas Schjelderup and the 4-4-2 on the substitutes' bench.

In contrast, seeming like a political decision or statement, Bruno Lage bet on the return of Kerem Akturkoglu to the starting lineup, after the Turk's transfer to José Mourinho's team fell through for now. With this choice, it becomes more than clear that the Reds count on the winger's presence in this playoff.

The one who surprised and positively was Richard Rios. In contrast to his uninspired performance in Reboleira, against Estrela Amadora, the Colombian international, despite the fans' 'complaints' about the new bet on the midfielder, the number 20 managed to put the Turks in their place, instilling confidence in the red midfield.

It's worth remembering that Benfica left Istanbul with a goalless draw, thus postponing all decisions to the second leg match, which will take place next Wednesday, August 27, at Estádio da Luz. Until then, the Eagles will now host Tondela, a match for the 3rd round of the 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.