Reus Deportiu Eliminated on Penalties Against Benfica in Coimbra Final 8

The team from Baix Camp challenged the strong favorite, Benfica, in an intense match that ended in a two-all draw before the decisive shootout.

Generic image of a roller hockey match.
IA

Generic image of a roller hockey match.

Reus Deportiu was eliminated from the Final 8 roller hockey tournament in Coimbra (Portugal) after losing on penalties to Benfica, one of the strong favorites for the European title.

The team from Baix Camp approached the quarter-final match without pressure and with determination, facing a formidable opponent. After an intense encounter, the score was tied at two goals at the end of regular time, but the penalty shootout favored the Portuguese team.
The initial minutes were dominated by the Lisbon side, who set a high pace and created dangerous opportunities against the goal defended by Càndid Ballart. In the 5th minute, Benfica opened the scoring with a powerful shot from Zé Miranda from outside the area, placing the ball in the top corner.
Despite conceding the goal, the Reus players did not give up and began to create clear scoring chances. A controversial incident in the 15th minute led to an initial red card for Carles Cases, which was later changed to a blue card after video review, leaving Reus shorthanded. The team defended well for the two minutes, thanks to strong defensive work, and reached halftime with a 1-0 deficit.
In the second half, Reus maintained a solid defense, resisting the attacks of a more physical Benfica. With eight minutes remaining, Martí Casas capitalized on a direct free hit to equalize the match (1-1). However, Benfica quickly regained the lead with a goal from Gonçalo Pinto. Reus responded swiftly, and Marc Julià scored the 2-2 with a shot from outside the area.
With three minutes left, a foul by Diego Rojas resulted in a direct hit for Benfica, but Càndid Ballart saved Pau Bargalló's attempt, preserving the tie. The match went into overtime, where the score remained unchanged, thanks to another crucial save by Ballart against a shot from Zé Miranda.
Ultimately, the penalty shootout decided the winner. Guillem Jansà scored the first for Reus, but goals from “Viti” Oliveira and João Rodrigues secured the victory for Benfica, who advance to the semi-finals. In the other quarter-final, Porto defeated Liceo 6-2. The remaining two quarter-final matches will be played this Thursday, with Barça facing Sporting de Portugal.