Dire Circumstances

After the fifteen-minute halftime break, the game continued. The Benfica players didn't waste time dictating the tempo and controlling the flow again. By relying on their versatile 4-3-3 formation, they soon hoarded a large percentage of the possession as they searched for that one equalizing goal that would put them on level terms with Rosenborg.

However, team Benfica's efforts were rendered futile again and again by the defensive tactics of Rosenborg. The Troll Kids adapted quickly and responded well to Benfica's attacks during the opening stages of the second half. They followed Coach Johansen's game plan to the letter and arrayed themselves into a 4-5-1 defensive shape to weather Benfica's relentless waves of offensives. Their teamwork was commendable, and even the attack-minded players, like Zachary, Takumi, and Nicki Nielsen, fell back to defend.