Nine European comebacks as inspiration

Benfica is the most decorated club in Portugal and made itself even bigger in Europe of football. The UEFA competitions propelled the eagles for unparalleled global recognition. Among several historic performances, the Official Website brings you nine comebacks that serve as inspiration for the match Dinamo Zagreb, Thursday, at 8:00 pm, at Estádio da Luz.

1961/62

European Cup – quarterfinals

1^st leg: Nuremberg-Benfica, 3-1

In the second leg, Benfica won by 6-0 – Eusébio (2), José Augusto (2), José Águas and Coluna – and went trough to the next round.

1971/72

European Cup – quarterfinals

1^st leg: Feyenoord-Benfica, 1-0

Ten years later, a new historic comeback in European. Estádio da Luz was once again a hell for those who visited it and Feyenoord lost by 5-0.

1972/73

European Cup – 1^st round

1^st leg: Malmö-Benfica, 1-0

The Old Cathedral proved to be an authentic hell that melted the Scandinavian ice and the final score of the second leg was 4-1 for the eagles.

1980/81

UEFA Cup – 2^nd round

1^st leg: Malmö-Benfica, 1-0

In Sweden, Malmö won by 1-0, but in the second leg, the reds turn the result around (2-0), through two penalty kicks converted by Nené in the second half.

1983/84

European Cup  – 2^nd round

1^st leg: Olympiacos-Benfica, 1-0

In Athens, the Greek club had the upper hand and traveled to the Portuguese capital in the lead. However, the Greeks suffered the firepower of Luz and lost by 3-0.

1984/85

European Cup – 1^st round

1^st leg: Red Star-Benfica, 3-2

In the second leg, Benfica turned the result around (2-0) and moved forward in the competition.

1989/90

European Cup – semifinals

1^st leg: Marseille-Benfica, 2-1

In the second leg of the semifinal, Estádio da Luz showed its best face, with 120 thousand spectators in the stands. Stars on both sides but the deadlock went on. Until the 83rd minute when Valdo took a corner kick and Vata opened the scoring.

2011/12

Champions League – last 16

1^st leg: Zenit-Benfica, 3-2

In Lisbon, Benfica went to the break in the lead. The Uruguayan right-back scored again against the Russians at 45’+1’. In the second half, Nélson Oliveira sealed a 2-0 win.

2012/13

Europa League – semifinals

1^st leg: Fenerbahçe-Benfica, 1-0

Gaitán opened the scoring at 9’, putting the tie back on level terms. Dirk Kuyt tied the match through a penalty kick and made things difficult for Benfica. The comeback was further away but was still possible. The reds did not throw in the towel and went searching for the win. Cardozo scored a brace and set the score at 3-1 and stamped the Benfica passport to Amsterdam.

The Club's most recent comeback happened against Fenerbahçe. Benfica is now looking for the sequel this Thursday, March 14, against Dinamo Zagreb.

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: Archive / SL Benfica