Benfica secured a dramatic 2-1 penalty shootout victory over Reus Deportiu after a 2-2 draw in regulation time, booking their place in the semifinals of the Rink Hockey Champions League, joining FC Porto in the next stage.
The Eagles entered the tie as favorites but faced significant resistance from the Spanish side. Despite the challenges throughout the match, Eduard Castro’s men started strongly and took an early lead through Zé Miranda in the fifth minute.
Unlike the first half, the second period saw a flurry of goals and a frantic finish. With ten minutes remaining, both teams sharpened their aim, forcing extra time. Martí Casas and Marc Julià scored for the visitors in the 42nd and 44th minutes, while Gonçalo Pinto netted for Benfica in the 43rd minute.
In extra time, the intensity of the final minutes of regulation did not carry over, and despite efforts from both sides, the deadlock remained until the final whistle.
From the penalty spot, Benfica broke their recent shootout curse—having lost their previous two penalty deciders—and emerged victorious over Reus Deportiu, securing a semifinal berth.
In the next round, Benfica will face the winner of the match between Barcelona and Sporting, scheduled for Thursday at 7:00 PM.
