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Olympique Marseille won a penalty shootout against Benfica to go to the Europa League semi-finals.
After a close first-leg defeat, Marseille’s quest to level the score paid off in the 79th minute when Faris Moumbagna headed home his first European goal for the club.
The contest finally ended 2-2 on aggregate after extra time, necessitating a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
The hosts maintained their calm to score all four penalties and capitalize on Angel Di Maria’s mistake and Antonio Silva’s save.
Marseille will face Atalanta, Liverpool’s conquerors, in the semi-finals, while Benfica must return to domestic activity.
A goalless first half
Benfica went to France with a slim advantage after Rafa Silva and Di Maria scored in a 2-1 victory in Lisbon last week.
In the eighth minute, Marseille’s Iliman Ndiaye attempted to cancel away Benfica’s lead, but Anatoliy Trubin easily saved his low shot.
While Benfica’s primary goal was to maintain their lead, they threatened to expand their advantage when David Neres set up Silva, who was unable to keep his shot below the crossbar.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Europa League’s all-time leading scorer, then shot over Trubin’s goal after being given control on the edge of the box.
Olympique Marseille will face Atalanta BC in the Semi-Final
Marseille’s patience pays off
The chances eventually dried up, until Fredrik Aursnes lifted the ball into the side netting just before the hour mark.
Despite being in control, Benfica gave Marseille an opportunity to equalize when Trubin dropped the ball from a floated corner, allowing Jordan Veretout to shoot.
Fortunately for the visitors, the Ukrainian goalkeeper deflected Veretout’s shot wide, preserving Benfica’s slim lead.
Just seconds later, Trubin demonstrated his fast reactions by diving down to his left to thwart Geoffrey Kondogbia.
After seeing his opposite number make a spectacular save, Pau Lopez made his own crucial intervention, making two excellent saves in quick succession to deny Silva and Di Maria.
Benfica were forced to regret squandered opportunities after Moumbagna restored parity, sparking scenes of euphoria inside the Stade Velodrome.
Following Aubameyang’s lofted cross from the left flank, the replacement managed to squeeze his header past Trubin.
