SL Benfica vs Lech Poznań - Teams comparison

SL Benfica - Lech Poznań, 03.12.2020

On December 3, 2020, Lech Poznań played one of the most controversial matches of the Europa League group stage. In Lisbon, Dariusz Żuraw’s team lost 4-0 to Benfica, conceding all but one of the goals after the break. Jan Vertonghen opened the scoring in the 36th minute.

Lech started the match with a heavily rotated lineup. Players such as Mikael Ishak, Dani Ramírez and Jakub Moder were left on the bench, while Pedro Tiba was not even included in the matchday squad. The decision to make so many changes sparked considerable discussion, as Lech still had a chance of progressing from the group. There were accusations that the coach had decided to rest key players for the league match against Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biała, which was scheduled just three days later.

Benfica took the lead in the 36th minute through Jan Vertonghen. After the break, the hosts quickly extended their advantage. Darwin Núñez made it 2-0 in the 57th minute, and Pizzi scored Benfica’s third goal just a minute later. Julian Weigl completed the scoring in the 89th minute.

After the match, Lech’s team selection was widely discussed. Dariusz Żuraw denied that his intention had been to rest players for the Podbeskidzie match, explaining that the changes were also related to the players’ physical condition. However, the controversy was intensified by the fact that three days later Lech actually defeated Podbeskidzie 4-0, with Ishak, Ramírez and Moder among those returning to the starting lineup.

The match against Benfica therefore remained not only a heavy defeat for Lech, but also a symbol of one of the most debated squad selection decisions of that season.