PLAYER RATINGS | Toulouse 0 – 0 Benfica: Wasteful Les Violets suffer painful Europa League exit
Toulouse hosted Benfica as they were hoping to turn around a dramatic first-leg defeat which saw them trail ahead of the second leg, 2-1, thanks to two penalties from Angel Di Maria.
Unsurprisingly, the first half saw Les Voilets on top as they searched for a goal to make the tie level. Benfica had been set up by Roger Schmidt to contain the pressure and then burst onto the counter when opportunities presented themselves. Despite, Toulouse’s dominance, they lacked potency in front of goal and failed to really test Trubin with the second leg goalless at half time and the visitors still obtaining the advantage. Angel Di Maria had the best chance of the first half but couldn’t apply any conviction to his effort in the six-yard box and his shot rolled wide.
Stijn Spierings had a glorious opportunity in the second half with a header in the six-yard box, but he headed the chance wide. With a succession of chances following this, it was hard to believe that Toulouse would find a route to goal. Two of these chances fell to the Lens loanee from close range but Trubin produced a fine stop to deny him.
In Toulouse’s period of dominance, Dallinga also had a golden chance but he could on direct his header onto the post in the 64th minute. Suazo’s cross was pinpoint accurate for most of the big chances Toulouse created. Sierro hit a shot from distance in stoppage time but Trubin was once again equal to it.
Despite the lion’s share of possession and a flurry of chances in the second half, Toulouse’s efforts were not enough to overturn their first-leg defeat. Benfica are the team who will have their name in the hat for the Round of 16 draw.
Guillaume Restes: 6
Gabriel Suazo: 7, The Chilean was a real handful on the night for Benfica and
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