A troubling moment for Ángel Di María during Benfica’s European clash
An early substitution was needed as El Fideo showed discomfort in his left leg, prompting immediate concern for a potential muscle issue.
On the second day of Group D in the UEFA Champions League 2023, Benfica traveled to Italy and suffered a 1-0 defeat as Inter claimed the victory with a goal from Marcus Thuram. The loss carried an additional sting when Ángel Di María, a linchpin of Benfica’s attack, was forced off the field amid clear distress.
In the 77th minute, a central run opened space and a cross from Hakan Çalhanoğlu found its target. Di María, who had helped set the move in motion, collapsed onto the turf at Giuseppe Meazza. After several tense moments of on field assessment by the medical staff, he was substituted by Jurasek, signaling a worrying development for the Argentine veteran and his teammates.
The forward left the pitch with his back leg tensed in pain, a visible reaction that had coaches and fans holding their breath. While an official medical bulletin was not issued immediately, early signs pointed toward a possible strain to the back of his left leg. The episode sent ripples through the squad, as Di María has long been a cornerstone of Benfica’s attacking shape and a familiar leader on the field.
The implications extended beyond the match itself. Argentina supporters began assessing the potential impact on national duties, especially with the South American qualifiers on the horizon. The Albiceleste are preparing for a double header, starting with a home clash against Paraguay on October 12 and then an away game against Peru on October 17. If Di María, alongside Lionel Messi, were unavailable, it would represent a notable shift in the national team’s creative depth and experience on the road to World Cup qualification.
THIS WAS ÁNGEL DI MARÍA’S INJURY
New developments surrounding the incident were closely watched by fans and analysts who understand Di María’s significance. The injury narrative intertwined with Benfica’s tactical planning as the head coach and staff weighed options to keep the attack potent while integrating fresh energy from the bench. In this context, the medical crew conducted a rapid on field review, prioritizing player health and long term availability for the remainder of the campaign.
The match itself showcased a gritty display from Benfica, who controlled several phases of play despite the final scoreline. Inter seized a decisive moment in the opening half, scoring through Thuram as Benfica pressed for an equalizer after the break. The game underscored the tempo and intensity of European nights where a single pivotal moment can alter the direction of a fixture.
Di María’s absence creates a tactical puzzle for Benfica, forcing the team to explore alternative routes to unlock compact defenses while maintaining a balance between aggression and control. The coaching staff will likely explore a mix of positional shifts and rotations, aiming to preserve the team’s attacking identity while mitigating risk ahead of upcoming fixtures. The situation also heightens responsibility for younger squad members to rise and shoulder more responsibility in high stakes European competition.
As the group stage progresses, the medical and coaching teams monitor recovery progress closely. A return to full training would signal a timely reintroduction to competitive action, while a cautious approach could lead to a staggered return if match demands remain high. In any case, the priority remains player well being and sustainable performance through a demanding schedule for the season.
The broader context of Di María’s injury involves ongoing discussions about squad depth and resilience in European tournaments. While star players can influence outcomes in key moments, teams that cultivate depth and tactical flexibility tend to endure longer campaigns. Benfica’s ability to adapt without one of their most experienced attackers will be tested in the days ahead as pivotal fixtures loom, potentially determining progress in Group D and shaping their campaign in continental competition.