Paris Saint-Germain's perfect run in Champions League Group H came to an end as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Benfica at the Estadio da Luz.
A delightful first-time finish from Lionel Messi put PSG in the ascendancy in the first half before an own goal from Danilo Pereira handed Roger Schmidt's side a share of the spoils.
Benfica proved early doors that they were not to be taken lightly by the French champions, with Gianluigi Donnarumma forced to keep Goncalo Ramos out on two occasions before the 15-minute mark.
However, PSG's Argentine maestro Messi came up with his 126th Champions League goal in stunning fashion to give his side the lead against the run of play, as a slick passing move from Galtier's men ended with the 35-year-old linking up with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar before curling home into the top corner from the edge of the area in the 22nd minute.
His name is Lionel Messi.pic.twitter.com/fnxlx5sUn9
— BT Sport (@btsport) October 5, 2022
Les Parisiens enjoyed a sustained period of possession after Messi's stunning strike, but Donnarumma still had to be alert to keep out 18-year-old centre-back Antonio Silva from a corner.
Benfica ultimately got the goal that their performance warranted, though, as Enzo Fernandez's cross from the left evaded Ramos before the slightest of touches off the chest of Pereira sent the ball into the back of the net.
A galvanised PSG side came out all guns blazing after the restart as Neymar's overhead kick clipped the bar – one of several early second-half chances that Galtier's men could not take.
The visitors then lost left-wing back Nuno Mendes to injury, while Benfica brought on PSG loanee Julian Draxler in their push for a winner, but it was the Ligue 1 side who looked the more likely to steal all three points in the last knockings.
Benfica continued to threaten when presented with a chance to foray forward, and man-of-the-match Donnarumma had to be alert once again to keep out Rafa Silva late on before the referee's final whistle blew.
Tempers flared at the end between the two unbeaten sides, who are locked together on seven points in the section, with PSG still leading the way in first place courtesy of the goals scored column before next Tuesday's return clash at the Parc des Princes.
Ben Knapton
