Watch Angel Di Maria Score Direct From Corner Kick For Benfica Against RB Salzburg

Olimpico alert! Angel Di Maria scored direct from a corner kick to give Benfica the lead in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League Group D game away at RB Salzburg.
Watch Angel Di Maria Score Direct From Corner Kick For Benfica Against RB Salzburg
Watch Angel Di Maria Score Direct From Corner Kick For Benfica Against RB Salzburg /

Angel Di Maria scored direct from a corner kick to give Benfica the lead in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League Group D game away at RB Salzburg.

Di Maria's whipped delivery from the right evaded multiple outfield players inside a busy six-yard box before landing in the back of the net via a slight touch off the goalkeeper's right hand.

The goal was then the subject of a lengthy VAR review to check for a possible foul by Nicolas Otamendi.

Issues with the technology prolonged the review as on-field referee Daniel Siebert was unable to hear what the VAR was saying.

But after plugging in a pair of headphones by the side of the pitch, Siebert was able to confirm to the players that Di Maria's Olimpico goal was good to stand.

Angel Di Maria pictured standing over the ball by the corner flag moments before scoring an Olimpico goal for Benfica against RB Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League in December 2023
Angel Di Maria pictured standing over the ball by the corner flag moments before scoring an Olimpico goal for Benfica against RB Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday / CBS SPORTS

Di Maria's opener hit the net in the 32nd minute.

Benfica then added a second goal just before half-time when Rafa Silva drilled home from 14 yards after getting on the end of a Di Maria through-pass.

Salzburg hit back with a goal from Luka Sucic on 57 minutes but Arthur Cabral secured a 3-1 win by striking in added time.

Benfica's win saw the Portuguese side finish in third place in Group D - above Salzburg on goals scored.

Di Maria and Co will therefore continue their European journey in the Europa League this season.


Published
Robert Summerscales
ROBERT SUMMERSCALES

Robert Summerscales launched FanNation Futbol in February 2022. Rob is a British journalist who previously spent two years on the sports desk at the Daily Mail in London, having earlier served as editor of CaughtOffside.com. He has been to the last two FIFA Men's World Cups, in Russia and Qatar, and is looking forward to completing his hat-trick in North America in 2026.