Benfica 2 Braga 1:BENFICA WILL take a slight advantage into the second leg of their all-Portuguese semi-final following a deserved victory over Braga at the Estadio da Luz last night. The hosts dominated for long periods but victory was only secured by a thumping Oscar Cardozo free-kick on the hour mark.
Only nine minutes earlier Benfica had finally been rewarded for a dominant first half when Jardel poked them ahead, but in between Braga claimed a valuable away goal when Vandinho glanced in a Hugo Viana free-kick.
It could prove an important goal from the veteran Brazilian, although he will miss the second leg after picking up a first-half caution.
The nerves of the first-ever all-Portuguese European semi-final were evident from the kick-off when Braga immediately sold themselves into danger before Paulao cleared the danger with a hacked clearance over his crossbar.
The visitors would spend the majority of the half living on their nerves, although they came close to a second-minute opener when Lima’s long-range effort flew just wide past a sprawling Roberto.
Benfica had the ball in the net soon after but Cardozo needed to be offside to be first to the ball after Artur saved from Javi Garcia’s header.
Benfica were unlucky to only be level at the break but deservedly led on 50 minutes following an eye-catching move.
Maxi Pereira tricked his way past Alan and into the area, and while Cardozo headed his floated cross against the post, the rebound fell perfectly for Jardel to poke home.
The lead lasted just three minutes as Braga claimed their valuable away goal. Hugo Viana whipped in a free-kick and Vandinho, who held his position ahead of the retreating defence, expertly diverted his header past a wrong-footed Roberto.
It was the second impressive goal of the game but both were overshadowed by Cardozo’s emphatic free-kick soon after.
Alan was again exposed as he felled Carlos Martins just outside the area to allow Cardozo to size up the free-kick. He went for power and placement to devastating effect as the ball whistled over the wall and past Artur.
BENFICA: Roberto, Maxi Pereira, Luisao, Jardel, Fabio Coentrao, Carlos Martins (Jara 65), Javi Garcia, Cesar Peixoto (Gaitan 66), Saviola (Airton 86), Aimar, Cardozo. Subs not used: Julio Cesar, Felipe Menezes, Sidnei, Alan Kardec. Booked: Aimar.
BRAGA: Artur Moraes, Miguel Garcia, Rodriguez, Paulao, Silvio, Alan, Vandinho, Hugo Viana (Mossoro 63), Leandro Salino, Meyong (Custodio 56), Lima (Kaka 84). Subs not used: Cristiano, Helder Barbosa, Echiejile, Anibal. Booked: Rodriguez, Vandinho, Miguel Garcia.
Referee: Craig Thomson (Scotland).
