Paris Saint-Germain beat Juventus but lost the Champions League group lead to Benfica

Both Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica qualified for the last 16 before the last two games in the group and remained equal on points after drawing 1-1.

However, the Parisian goal difference was superior to four, which means that a victory in Italy against already eliminated Juventus appears to be enough to secure a theoretically easier encounter in next Monday’s round of 16 draw.

Mendes scored the decisive goal midway through the second half after Leonardo Bonucci canceled out Kylian Mbappe’s stunning opener.

But the bigger drama was unfolding in Israel, where Benfica scored five goals in the second half to beat Maccabi Haifa 6-1.

Goncalo Ramos’ opening match for the Portuguese team was canceled by a Tjaron Chery penalty kick in the 26th minute, but Petar Musa put Benfica back in the lead just before the hour.

Alex Grimaldo and Rafa Silva added other goals, and Henrique Araujo scored the fifth goal in the 88th minute, before Joao Mario scored a wonderful victory in the second added minute.

This goal proved decisive – Benfica and PSG finished head-to-head with points, goal difference and goals scored. Benfica topped the group with more goals scored away from home.

This means that Paris Saint-Germain – who were defeated by Real Madrid in the last 16 last season – are now subject to confrontations such as Bayern Munich, Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City in the draw.

Meanwhile, Benfica still faces Liverpool, who ousted them in the quarter-finals last season.

(AFP)