Raul Jimenez has arrived in the big time.
The Mexican striker scored a crucial goal for Benfica against Bayern Munich on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League. Jimenez headed Eliseu’s delivery past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from close range in the 27th minute.
The goal was Jimenez’s third in 10 Champions League games this season but his first in four games in the knockout stages. It also evoked memories of Robin van Persie’s flying header in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, Neuer will face criticism for not reaching Eliseu’s cross before it met Jimenez’s head.
Benfica temporarily led on Jimenez’s goal, but Arturo Vidal tied the score for Bayern Munich 11 minutes later.
Although the teams ended in a 2-2 tie Wednesday, Bayern Munich won the two-game series 4-3 on aggregate goals.
Benfica had to win the game to advance to the semifinals of European soccer’s elite competition for the first time since 1990. Jimenez did his best to help, but it wasn’t enough.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@SLBenfica
