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Otamendi's Impact on Benfica's Champions League Run: Key Statistics
### Otamendi's Impact on Benfica's Champions League Run: Key Statistics
Benfica's journey to the UEFA Champions League final in 2017 was marked by several key performances and standout players who contributed significantly to their success. One such player was Dani Olmo Otamendi, whose impact on the team's defense and overall performance was undeniable.
#### Defensive Contributions
1. **Tackles**: Otamendi made a total of 46 tackles during the 2017-18 season, which ranks him as one of the top tacklers for Benfica that year.
2. **Interceptions**: He intercepted 9 passes, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposition play from the defensive line.
3. **Blocks**: Otamendi blocked 5 shots, demonstrating his prowess against goalkeepers and other attacking players.
#### Goalkeeping Support
4. **Cleansheets**: With 3 clean sheets, Otamendi provided solid support behind the goal, helping Benfica maintain a disciplined defense throughout the tournament.
5. **Defensive Actions**: His actions off the ball included marking opponents, making interceptions, and tackling,La Liga Stadium all of which were crucial for maintaining defensive integrity.
#### Overall Performance
6. **Minutes Played**: Otamendi played a total of 2,550 minutes across all competitions that season, contributing significantly to the team’s workload and stamina.
7. **Yellow Cards**: Although Otamendi received only 2 yellow cards, this is still a notable figure considering the nature of high-stakes football matches.
### Conclusion
Dani Olmo Otamendi's impact on Benfica's Champions League run can be seen through his consistent defensive performances and contributions to the team's overall strategy. His ability to make tackles, intercepts, and blocks, combined with his strong positional awareness and commitment to defending, helped Benfica secure a spot in the final. These statistics highlight Otamendi's importance to the club's success, particularly in the face of intense competition in Europe.