Benfica Knock Tottenham Out Of Europa League

 

Tottenham put up a performance much better than expected, especially with Benfica scoring first as their Europa League second leg tie ended 2-2 in Lisbon Wednesday.

Benfica went a goal up courtesy Ezequiel Garay’s header in the first half, but two goals in as just minutes from Nacer Chadli changed the complexion of this last-16 Europa League tie and panicked the home side.

Spurs needed just one goal to take the game to extra time, and should probably have had a penalty. The young team certainly showed the leadership and character manager Tim Sherwood (watching from the stands after his comments in the first leg) has been seeking from his players, and they were unlucky to concede a goal, through a Lima penalty, at the death.

Had they won they would have been the first team since Barcelona, in October 2012, to have tasted glory at the Estádio da Luz. As it was they drew, and are out of a competition which has been a huge distraction for their Premier League ambitions this season.

Jorge Jesus’s Primeira Liga leaders can now look forward to the quarterfinals, while Tottenham’s gutsy exit may alleviate some of the pressure on boss Tim Sherwood.