Darwin Nez scored the win in the 77th minute, giving Benfica a surprise 1-0 win at Ajax on Tuesday. Champions League Quarter Final Place. The Uruguay striker put on a strong defensive display to lead 3–2 on aggregate at the Johan Cruyff Arena, rising above the Ajax defense to score from a free-kick in a rare attacking free-kick for the Portuguese club.
Benfica’s experienced centre-back pairing of Jan Vertonghen and Nicolas Otamendi was a defensive wall that Ajax was unable to break, despite dominating possession and constantly attacking the visitors’ goal.
The Dutch club had won all their group games and were expected to easily reach the last eight with a home advantage in the second leg, after a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the last-16 fixture in Lisbon last month. But their hopes of an extended run in the Champions League were abruptly put to an end by Benfica, who have had a poor home season and are 12 points short of the top of the Portuguese league.
Ajax secured a Benfica goal in the first half at the end of a rapid build-up and several crosses in the penalty area, but got some of their efforts on target. Ryan Gravenberch made a start for himself with a strong run, but the 19-year-old fired his 36th-minute shot over the bar in an early period best effort.
Ajax kept the pressure in the second half and Brazil winger Antony had two good chances. He placed a header wide and was then foiled by a late Vertonghen tackle.
Benfica’s attempt on target came after Ajax defender Edson Alvarez conceded a soft free-kick. Nez rose above Jurian Timber and offensive goalkeeper Andre Onana from the set piece to stun the home crowd.
Ajax looked set to equalize deep in stoppage time, but Benfica goalkeeper Odysseus Vlachodimos pulled out a brilliant stop to deny Brian Brobie, and the Ajax option was again ruled out.