O Benfica took an important step in the search for a place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League by defeating Club Brugge, from Belgium, by 2 to 0, this Wednesday. At the Jan Breydel Stadium, the Portuguese scored in the second half with João Mário and David Neres.
The teams face each other again on March 7, a Tuesday, at 5 pm (Brasília time), at Estádio da Luz. Benfica will have the advantage of two goals. If Club Brugge wins with the same advantage in the second leg, the match will go to extra time and, if necessary, to a penalty shootout. Before the second duel, Benfica will have three clashes for Portuguese Championship. The next one will be on Saturday, against Boavista.
Club Brugge will have to win with two goals in order not to be eliminated in the 90 minutes of the second leg. Fourth placed in the Belgian Championship, the team returns to the field on Sunday, to face Cercle Brugge for the competition.
The game
The first 45 minutes of the match were dominated by Benfica. The first big chance came at 26, when Otamendi headed in after a cross and the ball reached António Silva. Free of marking, the young defender headed towards the goal, but sent it over the crossbar. Shortly after, at 30 minutes, João Mário made a beautiful shot that left Rafa behind the defense. The number 27 hit hard, but hit the post.
Club Brugge even scored before the end of the first half, but had the goal disallowed. At 45 minutes, Odoi took advantage of a cross to score with a header over the second post, but the player was in an irregular position.
The complementary stage started better for the visitors. Nine minutes before the break, defender Jack Hendry, from Club Brugge, did not notice Gonçalo Ramos approaching inside the area and, when trying to ward off danger, ended up hitting the attacker with a shot. The penalty was awarded and João Mário went to the penalty spot. The number 8 hit the left corner and the goalkeeper touched it, but the ball touched the crossbar and went in.
Benfica increased the score in the final stretch. At 43 minutes, David Neres put pressure on the Belgian defense and regained possession of the ball. The Brazilian left in front of the goal and crossed the right corner. Even with the disadvantage on the scoreboard, Club Brugge failed to reach the goal efficiently and the game ended without many chances for the home team.
⚽ 88′ GOOOOLOOOOO! NEEEERES!!!! #BRUSLB | 0-2 | #UCL pic.twitter.com/mRYh2h7vyQ
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) February 15, 2023
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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