Soccer

Oscar Cardozo’s double fires Benfica into Europa League final

Benfica defeat Fenerbahce to set up clash against Chelsea

Benfica’s Oscar Cardozo celebrates after scoring his side’s third goal against Fenerbahce during their Europa League semi final second leg soccer match at Benfica’s Luz stadium in Lisbon. Photograph: AP Photo
Benfica’s Oscar Cardozo celebrates after scoring his side’s third goal against Fenerbahce during their Europa League semi final second leg soccer match at Benfica’s Luz stadium in Lisbon. Photograph: AP Photo
Thu May 02 2013 - 23:15

Benfica 3
Fenerbahce 1
(Benfica win 3-2 on aggregate)

Paraguay striker Oscar Cardozo's double fired Benfica into a Europa League final with Chelsea after they beat Fenerbahce 3-1 in Lisbon to win their semi-final 3-2 on aggregate.

Benfica took just nine minutes to cancel out Fenerbahce’s 1-0 lead from the first leg when Nicolas Gaitan clipped in Lima’s low cross. The Portuguese were stunned when Dirk Kuyt levelled midway through the half from the penalty spot after Ezequiel Garay handled, an away goal for Fenerbahce meaning the hosts needed to score at least twice more.

Cardozo’s fine left-foot finish restored Benfica’s lead on 35 minutes in a breathless first half and his decisive strike came on 66 with another crisp low shot from inside the area. The final is in Amsterdam on May 15th.