A close game was to be expected between two teams that did not want to lose another game, and that's what fans got during the America vs Benfica game in Mexico City. Both teams had to go through penalty kicks and that is when Rui Vitoria won his first game as the manager for Benfica.
While America tried to impose their conditions and their style of play, it was the Portuguese side that seemed more dangerous over the course of 90 minutes. Benfica played the way they wanted to play. Making it difficult for America to find open spaces in their attacking third.
Possession of the ball was really even (49.8%-50.2). While the team from Portugal was the one creating more clear chances. They had the chance to step in front 15 minutes into the game when a penalty against Ventura Alvarado was called. Jonas took the ball and sent his shot to the left side, Moises Muñoz was there to stop it.
The game continued and the opportunities to score were quite high. Benfica had eight shots and America just got seven. Out of those eight, the reigning Portuguese champions got three on target. All of them were saved by Muñoz, who had just gotten back from being with the Mexican National team in the Gold Cup.
America's goalkeeper was one of the best men in this match. Having stopped everything that came his way including a penalty kick can make Ignacio Ambriz breathe knowing that his goal is pretty safe with Moy in the back. After the 90 minutes ended, and the penalty kicks decided the game, Muñoz stopped one more shot.
With 20 minutes left in the game, America got in serious trouble when they lost Gil Buron due to a reckless tackle. Then America had to modify even more. In the end, every player from both teams got to participate in this game. While Muñoz stayed in for 90 minutes, Julio Cesar was replaced in the 82nd minute with an injury.
Benfica survived to 90 minutes in the altitude of Mexico City, which always proves to be a challenge for away teams. They had recently lost against Fiorentina in penalty kicks and may have learned something from there. Out of the five players selected to take a shot, it was only Nicolas Gaitan the one to miss his shot.
The series was decided when Carlos Rosel from America shot his ball over the crossbar and the game was over. Ignacio Ambriz was pleased with most of what he saw from his
