Benfica has qualified very convincingly for the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The team of Roger Schmidt, last season’s trainer of PSV, also won the home game against Club Brugge (5-1). Gonçalo Ramos was the big man, with two goals and a wonderful assist on Rafa Silva’s opening goal. Benfica also won the away match against the reigning champions of Belgium (0-2) three weeks ago.
Benfica seemed to take the lead in the 3rd minute. But João Mário’s goal, a nice heel ball, was rejected because of offside. Moments later, Bjorn Meijer prevented the home team from scoring the opening goal. The Dutchman, who came over from FC Groningen, made a save on the goal line.
Silva did pass goalkeeper Simon Mignolet of the visitors in the 38th minute (1-0). And Ramos doubled that lead in stoppage time of the first half. The man of the match also scored 3-0 in the 57th minute. João Mário used a penalty kick for Benfica in the 71st minute and substitute David Neres, active for Ajax in the past, also scored (5-0).
Trainer Schmidt gave former Feyeno player Fredrik Aursnes a basic place. Just like Meijer, Noa Lang appeared at the kick-off for Club Brugge. He was booked midway through the first half for a flying tackle on Nicolás Otamendi and was substituted at half-time. Meijer was also penalized by the referee. He also determined the final score with a nice shot.
Source: ANP
