Benfica faced an uphill battle in their UEFA Champions League play-off first leg against Fenerbahce after midfielder Florentino Luis received a controversial red card, with pundits labeling his actions "reckless" during Wednesday’s goalless draw in Istanbul.
The Portuguese international, booked in the 68th minute, compounded his error just two minutes later by tripping Anderson Talisca directly in front of referee Daniel Siebert. The decision left Benfica a man down for the final 20 minutes, though they clung on to keep the tie level ahead of next week’ decisive second leg.
TNT Sports analyst Mark Schwarzer didn’t mince words, stating: "It was sheer madness from Florentino. He lost focus completely, leaving the referee no choice. Benfica were lucky to escape unscathed." Commentator Steve Wilson echoed the sentiment, noting Siebert’s proximity to the incident: "The foul was blatant—a textbook second yellow. Benfica’s resilience saved them, but they’ll need discipline in Lisbon."
Fenerbahce, under Jose Mourinho, squandered opportunities to capitalize, including a disallowed Youssef En-Nesyri header ruled offside. The return leg on August 28, streaming live on TNT Sports and discovery+, will decide which club secures a coveted Champions League group-stage berth.
While Benfica survived the immediate threat, Florentino’s suspension adds pressure to a squad already facing scrutiny. As Schwarzer warned: "They’ll need composure—one moment of madness could end their European dreams."
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