João Mário scored from the penalty spot and substitute David Neres added a second goal with two minutes left Wednesday as Benfica took a step toward the ...
The hosts’ reaction was not strong enough and the two-time European champions controlled the remainder of the game without getting threatened. Benfica finally broke the deadlock after defender Jack Hendry fouled Ramos in the box. Rafa Silva then came close near the half-hour mark when he connected with a lofted ball in the back of Brugge defenders, hitting the post. Odoi, however, was booked after just nine minutes for a reckless tackle, and his starting role did not prevent Benfica from creating the first chance. Benfica is now unbeaten in its last eight games in the Champions League, with five wins and three draws. They could have left the Flanders city with even more room to breathe, but a bit of clumsiness up front cost them extra goals.
Joao Mario's second-half penalty and a late goal from David Neres gave Benfica a 2-0 win over Club Brugge in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 ...
SL Benfica beat Club Brugge 2-0 at the Jan Breydelstadion in the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie.
BENFICA MAKE IT TWO Bjorn Meijer was complacent with the ball allowing David Neres to pounce and go through one on one with Mignolet. The Brazilian slotted home expertly and Benfica now have a two goal lead. His only shot was the penalty that he put away and it rounded off a strong performance from the attacking midfielder. The 30-year-old linked well with Rafa Silva and created a few good chances for his team-mates throughout the game. They created some good chances but couldn't capitalise on them before Benfica grew into the game as the half went on and started to dominate the ball and create chances. Brugge started well in the opening stages, moving the ball well and looking to hit Benfica on the counter attack.
Goncalo Ramos (R) of Benfica vies with Brandon Mechele of Club Brugge during the 1st-leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 football match between ...
(Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) David Neres (C) of Benfica scores during the 1st-leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 football match between Club Brugge and Benfica at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges, Belgium, on Feb. Nicolas Otamendi (C) of Benfica vies with Denis Odoi of Club Brugge during the 1st-leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 football match between Club Brugge and Benfica at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges, Belgium, on Feb. Nicolas Otamendi (bottom) of Benfica vies with Denis Odoi of Club Brugge during the 1st-leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 football match between Club Brugge and Benfica at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges, Belgium, on Feb. Noa Lang (R) of Club Brugge competes during the 1st-leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 football match between Club Brugge and Benfica at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges, Belgium, on Feb. Nicolas Otamendi (L) of Benfica competes during the 1st-leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 football match between Club Brugge and Benfica at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges, Belgium, on Feb.
Benfica fired the first shot, Nicolás Otamendi heading a corner back into 6-yard box where Gonçalo Ramos headed straight at Simon Mignolet. Club Brugge ...
Tajon Buchanan gave Benfica an early scare, but his 5th minute shot proved to be the only one on target for the hosts. Ramos pounced on the ball a split second before Jack Hendry, drawing a foul with referee Davide Massa pointing to the spot. The half time break didn’t halt the momentum, Ramos unable to direct Grimaldo's free kick on target. Rafa was becoming heavily involved, finding Otamendi who António Silva headed a great chance over the bar. Scott Parker introduced Casper Nielsen for Odoi. Noa Lang started to run the show, Benfica with their backs to the wall and unable to hold onto the ball.