Lionel Messi’s fantastic curled strike from the edge of the box put the visitors ahead, on the back of Benfica’s impressive start, before Danilo’s bizarre own goal levelled the tie before the break.
However, despite the incredible attacking power on display, it was the two goalkeepers, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Odysseas Vlachodimos, who dominated either side of the interval with a string of impressive saves at key moments.
A draw puts both sides level on seven points from three games in Group H with PSG leading the way based on goals scored so far.
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A tale of two halves…and two keepers
Both sides enjoyed a dominant 45 minutes each in Lisbon, with Benfica carving out chance after chance before the break, and PSG laying siege to the hosts goal after the restart.
Donnarumma kept out everything Benfica threw at home early on but the Italian stopper was unable to do any thing about Danilo’s own goal.
As PSG turned on the style in the second period, Greek keeper Vlachodimos became a hero for the home side, with Messi, Neymar and Mbappe all frustrated by him as PSG pushed for a winner.
PSG stars only shine for 45 minutes
Messi’s superb opener was the sole flicker of life from PSG’s all-star attack before the break as the Argentinian buried Neymar’s assist.
Christophe Galtier’s half-time message jolted his side into life in Lisbon and the PSG front three stepped up a gear in Lisbon.
Vlachodimos’ heroics played a key role in shutting them out, but on the balance of chances, PSG will be irritated not to have claimed a win, and their early struggles will be a point of frustration for Galtier.
Benfica vs. PSG final score
Goals:
PSG - Messi (22nd Min)
BEN Danilo (OG) (42nd Min)
Benfica vs. PSG live updates, highlights from Champions League match
FULL TIME: BENFICA 1 PSG 1
It’s ALL OVER in Lisbon!!!
Benfica dominant in the first half and PSG in charge after the restart but the French champions were unable to seize their late chances.
Lionel Messi’s superb strike put PSG in front, but a own goal from Danilo secured a deserved leveller for Benfica, and the hosts battled hard for a point in the closing stages.
90 Mins: PSG have grown frustrated here as Ruiz is immediately booked and Neymar and Verratti join him for shouting at the ref.
Benfica look to be home and dry.
88 Mins: Benfica are digging in superbly here as Fabian Ruiz comes on for Vitinha for PSG
83 Mins: Was that THE chance for Benfica???
The hosts have carved out nothing since the restart but they launch an attack into the PSG box and Silva tired drive it parried away by Donnarumma.
A pair of heavy touches in the Benfica area by Messi and Neymar allows to Vlachodimos to collect as Pablo Sarabia replaces Messi.
79 Mins: Double change from Roger Scmidt as he looks to get some fresh legs on for the final 10 minutes.
PSG loanee Julian Draxler comes on for the exhausted Ramos with Fernandez replaced by Fredrik Aursnes.
Can Benfica hold on?
75 Mins: Benfica are certainly up for the fight in the closing stages as Ramos goes into the referee’s notebook for a clash with Marquinhos.
Silva then drops back into deny Mbappe as he looked to break.
70 MINS: VLACHODIMOSSSSSSSSSS!!!!
Vlachodimos has now overtaken Donnarumma’s first half tally of crucial stops, as Messi breaks through and nudges a ball into Mbappe, but the home keeper stretches every inch to deny the Frenchman!!!
Otamendi heads wide at the other end in the hosts first chance of the second period.
68 Mins: Galtier makes thee first sub, as Juan Bernat comes on for Nuno Mendes.
65 Mins: Vlachodimos is ABSOLUTELY keeping Benfica in the game now!! Messi skips away from two tackles with ease but Hakimi’s drive draws a superb stop from the busy No.99.
60 Mins: Neymar is leading the PSG charge as Vlachodimos does his best Donnarumma impression!!!
Neymar’s dipping free kick is batted away by the Greek international before another delivery from the former Barcelona winger is flicked on by Danilo, and the home keeper holds on.
55 Mins: The contest has flipped completely and Benfica are now on the back foot.
Hakmi springs on Otamendi’s error but his ball to Neymar is smartly cut out by Vlachodimos.
50 Mins: PSG ARE TRANSFORMED!!
The Ligue 1 giants have begun the second period in determined style, as Achraf Hakimi reacts quickest to a loose ball inside the box, but Odysseas Vlachodimos makes the save.
Neymarthen pounces on the rebound and tries and overhead kick but it clips the top of the bar and flies over!!!
Superb stuff from the Brazilian!!!
*Video available in the US
46 Mins: WE ARE BACK!!
No changes at the break
HALF TIME: BENFICA 1 PSG 1
Benfica have dominated at the Estadio da Luz and the hosts head in level at the break as Danilo’s unfortunate own goal cancels out Messi’s wonder strike.
45 Mins: Fernandez follows that up with a late tackle on Marco Verratti and he collects the game’s first booking.
42 Mins: BENFICA ARE LEVEL!!!
Benfica get their reward, but it’s via a helping hand from PSG, as Enzo Fernandez’s cross is stabbed into his own net by Danilo!!
40 Mins: DONNARUMMA AGAIN!!!
Benfica’s quick passing cuts through PSG inside their own box, and Antonio Silva pops up with the goal at his mercy, but AGAIN Donnarumma is there for PSG!!!!
A sensational first 45 minutes from PSG’s superstar stopper!!
35 Mins: The game has settled back into its early pattern of half chances for Benfica - as Vitinha’s pot shot draws a save from Donnarumma - with the Italian international forming a one man barrier to the hosts.
30 Mins: Benfica have responded positively to falling behind against the run of play as Ramos’ deflected strike is plucked out of the air by a relieved Donnarumma.
22 Mins: 1-0 PSG………..MESSI FROM NOWHERE!!!!
PSG’s three superstars spring into life for the first time tonight!!!!
Lionel Messi lays a pass off to Kylian Mbappe…..on to Neymar…and his cut back is swerved home by Messi!!!
*Video available in the UK
*Video available in the US
21 Mins: BIG CHANCE FOR BENFICA!!!
It’s been ALL BENFICA so far, and the hosts carve out their best chance, as Rafa Silva slips in David Neres, but Donnarumma produces a fantastic diving stop!!!
18 Mins: Benfica burst forward as PSG stand off their hosts!!
Joao Mario feeds in Ramos on the edge of the box and his drive is gathered at the second attempt by Donnarumma.
15 Mins: PSG are full of nerves, with mistakes from Marquinhos, Danilo and Sergio Ramos, under pressure from the Benfica attack.
10 Mins: Busy opening here in the Portuguese capital with the home side making the brighter start. Marquinhos’ back pass forces Danilo to scramble clear.
Nicolas Otamendi’s long ball freed Goncalo Ramos in behind, but Gianluigi Donnarumma is quick to react, and make a block.
KICK OFF: BENFICA V PSG!!!
10 Mins to KO: Almost ready in Lisbon!!
45 Mins to KO: TEAM NEWS IS IN!!
Benfica are unchanged from their 0-0 draw with Vitoria with PSG loanee Julian Draxler on the bench.
PSG make FOUR changes from the starting XI which won 2-1 at home to Nice last weekend.
Danilo Pereira comes into defence, in place of Nordi Mukiele, with Nuno Mendes and Marco Verratti coming in for Spanish duo Juan Bernat and Fabian Ruiz, and Kylian Mbappe starting in attacking alongside Neymar and Lionel Messi.
70 Mins to KO: Christophe Galtier and Roger Schmidt on facing off in Lisbon
Galtier: “What we are going to have to do, to beat Benfica, is have an ability to play under pressure. They will try to come out and get us, it’s in the club’s DNA and their coach. It puts enormous pressure on us and we have to be more effective in attack.”
Schmidt: “We’re need to be balanced, as we’re facing a team that has great individuals, and collective qualities. We will have to stand up to them in defence, in midfield, in attack, and in possession, if we want to win. We are confident, at home, in a big stadium, we will have our chances.”
90 Mins to KO: The stage is set for BIG night at the Estadio da Luz
Benfica vs. PSG lineups
Roger Schmidt’s injury picture remains unchanged for Benfica ahead of this game with Felipe Morato, Joao Victor and Lucas Verissimo all still out of action with PSG loanee Julian Draxler amongst the substitutes.
Benfica lineup (4-2-3-1): Vlachodimos (GK) — Grimaldo, Otamendi, A. Silva, Bah — Fernandes, Luis — Mario, R. Silva, Neres — Ramos
Benfica Subs (12): Ristic (GK), Gilberto, Aursnes, Goncalves, Pinho, Chiquinho, Brooks, Dias, Musa, Victor, Leite, Draxler
PSG head coach Christophe Galtier is boosted by news that Marco Verratti has shaken off an injury, but Renato Sanches is out. The superstar attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe all start in Lisbon.
PSG lineup (3-4-3): Donnarumma (GK) — Ramos, Marquinhos, Danilo —Mendes, Vitinha, Verratti, Hakimi — Messi, Mbappe, Neymar
PSG Subs (10): Navas (GK), Rico (GK), Ruiz, Bernat, Sarabia, Mukiele, Soler, Bitshiabu, Zaire-Emery, Ekitike
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How to watch Benfica vs. PSG
Date: Oct. 5, 2022 Time: 15:00 ET USA TV channel: UniMas and TUDN via fuboTV Canada TV channel: N/A USA streaming: Paramount+/VIX+ Canada streaming: DAZN
USA: Benfica vs. PSG will be televised on UniMas and TUDN, which are both streamed on fuboTV. It will also be available to stream for subscribers of Paramount+ and VIX+.
Canada: Every Champions League match is streamed in Canada via DAZN.
