(Football news) Joao Mario amazing second-half display 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 tie in Belgium and left the Portuguese club with a major advantage for the return leg. Joao Mario scored in the 51st-minute from a spot kick which came after Benfica had missed a host of good chances as they dominated the match and ensured they had a lead to defend at home in the return leg in Lisbon on March 7.
The penalty was awarded when Scottish defender Jack Hendry brought down Goncalo Ramos in a very clumsy challenge and Joao Mario made no mistake from the spot. Neres took advantage of a defensive mistake to score a second away goal in the 88th minute. Bjorn Meijer failed to clear as Neres stole possession and scored. He had the ball in the net in stoppage time but was disallowed for offside. Joao Mario missed a couple of good chances in the first half as the two-time European Cup winners overcame an early spell of pressure from Club Brugge.
Ramos and Antonio Silva had the best opportunities but they both put their headers over the bar. Brugge produced a very bright start to the game with both Tajon Buchanan and Noa Lang had their shots blocked in the opening 20 minutes but, after those two chances the visitors took command of the game and were able to easily cut through the home team’s defence. Brugge had the ball in Benfica’s goal a minute before halftime but Denis Odoi was deemed offside as he got the last header of Noah Lang’s free kick.
The Belgians have hired English coach Scott Parker as their new manager and were hoping the Champions League would give them a chance to make amends for their poor domestic form but now face an uphill battle to stay in the competition. They won 4-0 against FC Porto in September as they emerged surprise qualifiers from the group stage and will need a similar result to advance to the quarter-finals. Benfica have extended their best-ever unbeaten run in the Champions League to eight matches.
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