Club Brugge 0-2 Benfica: Joao Mario and David Neres strikes see Roger Schmidt’s side take control of last-16 tie
Updated 15/02/2023 at 23:52 GMT
Goals from Joao Mario and David Neres were enough for Benfica to beat Scott Parker’s Club Brugge 2-0 in their Champions League last-16 encounter at the Jan Breydelstadion. Joao Mario gave Roger Schmidt’s side the lead from the penalty spot early in the second half before David Neres put gloss on a polished performance with a late strike to leave Parker’s side with an uphill struggle.
David Neres of Sport Lisboa Benfica celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match between Club Brugge KV and SL Benfica leg one at Jan Breydel Stadium on February 15, 2023 in Brugge, Belgium
Image credit: Getty Images
SL Benfica continued their good run of form with a 2-0 victory over Club Brugge at the Jan Breydelstadion in the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie.
Brugge started well in the opening stages, moving the ball well and looking to hit Benfica on the counter attack. 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. Rafa Silva was particularly impressive using his pace and dribbling to cause problems to Brugge's defence.
Goncalo Ramos had a few good chances to score but the Portuguese striker couldn't put any of his chances away. Benfica's best chance of the half would fall to youngster Antonio Silva after Nicolas Otamendi headed the ball across the box to him. The 19-year-old centre-back couldn't keep his header down and the chance went begging.
Just before half time Club Brugge thought they opened the scoring through Denis Odoi who met Noa Lang's delivery at the back post and headed home. However, the goal was flagged for offside and the scores were level at the break.
In the second half Benfica were largely in control of the game. They would get off to a fast start with Ramos winning a penalty by nipping in front of Jack Hendry as he tried to clear the ball. Joao Mario stepped up and dispatched the penalty giving Benfica a deserved 1-0 lead. From then on The Eagles were comfortable keeping possession and sustaining pressure for large periods of the half.
The visitors doubled their lead in the 88th minute through substitute David Neres. The Brazilian won the ball off Bjorn Meijer who failed to clear his lines and went through one on one against Simon Mignolet before firing home.
The victory sees Benfica head into their home leg with a comfortable lead.
TALKING POINT - HUGE TASK FOR BRUGGE IN THE SECOND LEG
This is Club Brugge’s first defeat under new manager Scott Parker and they will need to perform a lot better in the second leg to harbour any hopes of making the quarter-finals.
It's a huge task considering Benfica have not lost at home all season but Brugge showed in flashes that they could cause problems for the Portuguese giants.
To stand any chance of progressing, Parker will need to fashion a system to get more support around key man Noa Lang in the return leg.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Joao Mario
Joao Mario provided the composure Benfica needed in this game by slowing down the tempo when necessary. The 30-year-old linked well with Rafa Silva and created a few good chances for his team-mates throughout the game. His only shot was the penalty that he put away and it rounded off a strong performance from the attacking midfielder.
PLAYER RATINGS
Club Brugge: Mignolet 6, Mata 6, Hendry 5, Mechele 6, Meijer 6, Odoi 5, Onyedika 6, Sowah 6, Vanaken 4, Buchanan 6, Lang 7. Subs: Nielson 6, Jutgla N/A.
SL Benfica: Vlachodimos 7, Grimaldo 8, Otamendi 7, Silva 7, Bah 6, Chiquinho 7, Luis 6, Rafa 7, Mario 8, Aursnes 6, Ramos 6. Subs: Guedes 7, Neres 8.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
30' RAFA HITS THE POST Great chance for the Portuguese winger here. He used good movement to get free in the box and dart towards the back post but his shot cannons off the woodwork and goes out for a goal kick.
44' GOAL DISALLOWED Lang's delivery from the subsequent free kick finds Denis Odoi at the back post who heads home but his goal is disallowed as the midfielder strayed offside.
51' JOAO MARIO CONVERTS THE PENALTY Joao Mario scores the penalty to give Benfica a deserved lead in this game.
71' BENFICA STILL COMING FORWARD Neres spreads the ball wide to Grimaldo who cuts it across the box towards Chiquinho but he can't sort out his feet and shoot in time and his attempt is blocked.
82' BRUGGE LOOKING FOR AN EQUALISER A good delivery from Lang which Vlachodimos fails to deal with, fortunately Guedes was back to clear on this occasion.
88' GOAL! 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.
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