Discover how Aktürkoğlu and Di María led Benfica to a stunning 4-0 victory over Atletico. Explore match highlights and player performances in detail.
Introduction:
Benfica kept their immaculate run in Champions League by handing a 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid. Following a win in their first group-stage game, the Portuguese side demonstrated power as they dominated a totally robust Atleti outfit in every department. Some great performances were put on display as Benfica tasted their second win in two games.
Within the very first minute of the game, pressure was put on, and just four minutes later, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who always made his mark with lovely goals, broke through with his first goal on the night.
See also: Benfica Triumphed With a 2-1 Victory Over Marseille: Europa League Drama

The game started timidly, with both teams failing to hold onto possession in the opening few minutes; however, Benfica were quick to establish their attacking flow. Atletico Madrid, under Diego Simeone, are predominantly known for their defensive shape, which they introduced with five defenders whenever they needed to defend, while Benfica were close to that with a 5-3-2 formation. Orkun Kökçü mostly tracked deep and became the fifth defender for his team, which facilitated stifling early pressure.

Benfica finally got what they deserved when, in the 17th minute, Fredrik Aursnes’s accuracy was working to deliver a little ball across the box’s edges. Kerem Aktürkoğlu seized the ball and shot with coolness as he unleashed an impeccable finish which sent the home fans crazy with a brilliant shot past Jan Oblak. Aktürkoğlu’s fourth goal for Benfica featured his hallmark celebration and served as a precursor to everything that was set to follow.

Di María and Benfica Stay in Charge
Benfica continued to press up high, giving Atleti little time to try and build attacks while they are in possession. Atleti could claim at times to have made some brief bits of possession, but they were not able to really release a threat at a compact, organized defense by Benfica. As he often did during this season, Antoine Griezmann retreated deeper, trying to take some charge for Atleti, but he was a threat for nothing to Anatoliy Trubin in the Benfica goal.

Benfica had flashes of class on Atleti’s half. Di María was the catalyst for Benfica’s thrusts into Atleti’s half down the right channel. He shot wide as his side kept sustained periods of possession around Atleti’s box. What Atleti didn’t need in the first half was Lino’s cross, which crashed off the bar; he was helpless but relieved.
Atleti continued to show trademark fight, and Pavlidis almost made it level before half time with his shot clipping the post. However, the Spanish side couldn’t hit the back of the net as they headed into the break, 1-0 behind.

Simeone’s Subs and Di María’s Penalty
Diego Simeone did three switchings when the match reached halftime break, among them the inclusion of striker Alexander Sørloth to shift the attacking momentum in Atleti. But still, Benfica were in charge, creating another controlling rhythm of play and not leaving enough space for Atleti to make a move.

The game swung decisively in Atleti’s favor when the No. 4 committed a foul inside the penalty area against a Benfica player. Reviewing the incident, VAR awarded the penalty. Ángel Di María accepted it coolly and then sent Oblak the wrong way as he doubled Benfica’s lead in the 54th minute. From the stands came deafening celebrations as Di María’s penalty placed the Portuguese side firmly in the commanding seat.

Bah and Aktürkoğlu Seal Benfica’s Victory
But in the minutes following Di María’s goal, Benfica had a few more clear opportunities. Oblak denied Pavlidis and Di María just afterwards. Then, in a cruel twist of fate for Benfica, Bah rose the highest to meet a well-delivered corner from Beste in the 68th minute, heading home Benfica’s third goal and effectively sealing the victory.
Atleti were still in daze as Benfica just kept pushing forward, but when Amdouni was floored in the box, any chance at a turnaround evaporated as Kökçü sent the fourth penalty past Oblak. Like Di María before, Kökçü did the same to Oblak, so 4-0 and ended a wretched one of evenings for Atletico goalkeeper, who had a tough return to Lisbon.

A Night to Remember for Benfica
The final whistle blew, and Benfica emerged as deserving winners, extending their winning streak to five games across all competitions. Atleti had been unbeaten in nine matches this season going into the encounter, stunned now by a ruthless Benfica side that combined tactics of discipline and creativity with raw attacking quality for too much for the visitors to handle.
Benfica got six points from the initial two Champions League matches and are so far flying. The performance will uplift their consciousness to further continue in the European campaign.