Benfica vs Nice: The suspense of the final victory continues. Can Favre lead the team to a shocking reversal? Di Maria returns to the Stadium of Light!

The first reading of the final stoppage time lays the groundwork, and the life-and-death battle between the Portuguese magic powerhouses is about to break out.

Champions League regular Benfica, Ligue 1 powerhouse Nice, who struggled last season. When the two teams met in the Europa League qualifying play-off, the first leg of the game staged a thrilling script. In the

stoppage time countdown, Joao Neves's inspiration flashed, allowing Benfica to return a gold 2-1 away victory from the French coast. The second round was moved to the Lisbon Light Stadium. The "Eagle" with the advantage was determined to soar and advance. Can the "Red and Black Legion" who fought back against the water stage be staged under the leadership of the new coach Favre?

⏱️ First round replay: The final victory is determined, and the suspense remains

The first round of the competition at the Allianz-Riveira Stadium is full of drama and tactical games.

Nice's start of the game: Nice played at home with a blast. With efficient pressing and quick conversion, Gaeton Labold's first record in the 12th minute, igniting the enthusiasm of home fans.

Benfica's skillful equalization: the experienced Benfica did not panic. After gradually stabilizing their position, they took advantage of their technical advantages to control the midfield. In the 28th minute, Di Maria showed the value of a superstar. He took a precise corner kick and found Antonio Silva who was ambushed at the back point. The latter scored a header and equalized the score! Angel's assists declared his continued influence in the European arena.

The final kill in the second countdown! Neves shines: Just when the game seems to end in a draw, at the last moment of stoppage time, Benfica supernova Joao Neves, who is only 19 years old, stood up! He quickly caught a two-pointer opportunity at the front of the penalty area, and calmly shot straight into the net, completing the final kill! This goal not only allowed Benfica to get the lead in advance, but also greatly damaged Nice's morale. The score of

1-2 laid a good foundation for Benfica, but it was just a one-goal advantage. Nice's away goal rule advantage is no longer there, which means they have to win in Lisbon to have a chance to turn the tables. A valuable away win and a goal difference gave Benfica a double psychological and tactical advantage, but it was far from the point of rest assured.

🔍 Highlights of the second round: The offensive and defensive drama of Guangming Stadium

Return to the famous Guangming Stadium, the competition in the second round will surely be more intense. The following focus is worth looking forward to:

Benfica: Stable counterattack, Angels return to the nest,

The initiative in advance: holding a goal in hand and home advantage, Benfica's strategic choice is relatively calm. Head coach Schmidt is expected to adopt more stable tactics, using the experience of Rafa Silva, Joao Mario and others and Di Maria's creativity to control the rhythm and find opportunities to counterattack.

"Angel" Di Maria returns to the Stadium of Light! This is the most touching topic for Benfica fans. As a legend who once spreads his wings and finally reaches the top of the world, every touch of Di Maria will trigger a tsunami. His set-piece and passes at critical moments remain one of Benfica's most deadly weapons.

Young power shock: In addition to Di Maria, young talents such as 19-year-old hero João Neves and also young forward player Goncarlo Ramos (if played) will continue to shoulder the heavy responsibility of attacking the Nice defense line. Their vitality and fearlessness are the hope of the future of the "eagle".

Nice: Fighting against the enemy, Favre must attack and score a goal in order to change! A home defeat in the first leg forced Nice into a desperate situation. In the second round, they had no choice but to take the initiative to score goals as soon as possible and even surpass the total score. How the new coach Favre adjusts his offensive strategy (whether to continue to rely on the speed of Labode and Mofe, or to increase the investment in the midfield) is crucial.

The wisdom test of the new coach Favre: The experienced Swiss coach Favre didn't take over for a long time. After being equalized in the first round, he failed to stop the final score, revealing the team's lack of experience and concentration. In the second round, how to motivate players and adjust offensive and defensive deployment (especially how to limit Di Maria and Neves) is the biggest test faced by Favre. His on-site command may determine Nice's fate.

Overcoming the away devils: Nice's performance in the European away game (including the qualifying match) is a nightmare - an amazing 6-game losing streak in the away game in the European away game! To make a comeback, they must break this curse. The team needs to show unprecedented resilience and away fighting ability.

Key confrontation

Nice offensive group vs Benfica's back defense: the impact of Rabode, Mofe, Pudor (or Toulam) and others will test Benfica's defense stability led by Otamendi and Antonio Silva. Benfica goalkeeper Trubin will also be tested.

Di Maria/Neves vs Nice midfield barrier: How to limit Di Maria's pass and Neves' forward insertion is the top priority of Nice's defense. The central defender combination composed of Todibo and Dante and the assisted defense of midfielders are particularly critical.

Midfield Control: Florentino Luis and Benfica's midfield control will have a fierce strangle against Nice's (possibly after changing the lineup). Whoever controls the midfield will be closer to controlling the rhythm of the game.

📊 Data and History

Benficao's home game (qualification match + main game) has always performed relatively strongly, with deep foundation and fans' support.

Nice's away defeat in the European Cup is urgently ending (6 consecutive losses).

2-1 in the first leg was Benfica's first away defeat to a French team.

Di Maria always performs well against the French team. She returns to become famous in this game, and she is unquestionable for fighting.

🎯 Promotion Outlook

Benfica is undoubtedly the more favored side. Their overall strength, European experience, home atmosphere and psychological advantages brought by the first round victory are all huge bargaining chips. The emotional bonus of Di Maria's return to her hometown will also inspire the fighting spirit of the whole team.

Nice's hope for a comeback lies in her determination to storm and Favre's skill. If they can overcome the away game, play efficient offenses, and successfully limit Benfica's key players on the defensive end, especially in the early stages of the game, it is not a fantasy to pull the suspense back to balance the momentum or even create surprises.

💬 Fans are hotly discussed

Di Maria is going home! The cheers at the Light Stadium are just for the angels to ring! Are you looking forward to him dominating the game again?

19-year-old Neves defeated the hero in the first round. Can he continue to shine in the second round and establish his position as the core of his new generation?

Can Favre show his style as a famous coach and lead Nice to create miracles on the road? How many goals does Nice need to score to make a comeback?

⏰ The war is about to break out! At 2:45 am on August 18, Lisbon Light Stadium. Is the "Eagles" Benfica who secured a spot in the Europa League with his home advantage and Angel Wings, or is the "Red and Black Legion" Nice staged a PUBG Battlegrounds and reversed the game under the leadership of the new coach?

Do you think Benfica can advance smoothly, or does Nice create a miracle? Welcome to leave your predictions and opinions in the comment section! 👇