In an exclusive interview, former Benfica player Isaias spoke about his legendary game against Arsenal in 1991. He also previewed this Thursday’s clash in the Europa League.
On the eve of the Europa League’s Round of 32 second-leg, we take a look at the only other European clash between Arsenal and Benfica. It was 1991 and Benfica were considered the underdogs against the mighty Arsenal. The Gunners had just won their second league title in three years with the likes of Alan Smith and Tony Adams.
However, Arsenal didn’t see one man coming: the Brazilian ‘Prophet’ Isaias. A Benfica legend for his 71 goals in 178 matches for the Portuguese giants, Isaias scored three goals and assisted another over the two legs in the Champions League clash (formerly known as the European Cup).
‘The Prophet’, as he is well-known in Portugal, spoke to Acefootball.com about how he felt that night in Highbury as Benfica knocked out Arsenal in front of a packed stadium.
“Arsenal’s team was full of great players and people didn’t believe we could get there [Highbury] and turn the game around. It became so important that 30 years have passed and people still remember that 3-1 result in London very well.
“It was exciting. Besides playing in London, 30% in the stadium were Benfiquistas, Portuguese immigrants, we felt at home. It was very emotional, we were fortunate to celebrate that win with the Portuguese people there.
“No one thought it would happen, only us players because we knew that we were the only ones capable of turning things around. I was fortunate enough to score three goals across both legs but everyone that participated has a place in history, both players and staff.”
The ‘sleeping giant’ has a chance
Much like in 1991, Benfica are the underdogs against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and aren’t expected to win this Thursday’s clash. However, the similarities between the past qualifier and the present one give Benfiquistas and Isaias a bit of hope.
“Benfica is a giant but in the last few years we have witnessed a sleeping giant. But in football anything is possible, things are evolving the same way they did 30 years ago. The first game wasn’t in Estadio da Luz due to the pandemic, it was on a neutral ground. The result was 1-1 and Arsenal had numerous chances to win the game but didn’t win.
“The qualifier will be decided in the next match tomorrow, also on neutral grounds. So I see it like this: they don’t have the same chances because Arsenal has an away goal advantage but Benfica’s size makes them contenders.”
Arsenal are out for ‘vengeance’
Despite the Gunners’ irregular form in the Premier League, Isaias believes this game will be quite difficult for Benfica. In fact, their away goal advantage may prove to be enough to secure a spot in the Round of 16.
“Arsenal is one of the best clubs in England just like Benfica in Portugal, but the difference is very big. They are in an unfavorable situation because 10-12 clubs fight for the Premier League title while in Portugal it’s only three.
“Arsenal will be motivated [by the 1991 game], people must talk about what happened 30 years ago in England. They will naturally be searching for a way to avenge themselves. I say ‘vengeance’ on a sporting level, not because they lost the game in the past. I think Arsenal has a lot more chances because they have the possibility to play for a draw.
“Benfica comes from an immense crisis, Arsenal may have lost now [against Manchester City] but Benfica tied against Farense. What Benfica shows us now is that if they can’t get past a team on the lower side of the table in Portugal then it will be hard to pull through against Arsenal. But obviously, everything is possible in professional football.”
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