SL Benfica gained a slim advantage with a 2-1 win over SC Braga in the UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg.
All the goals were scored in a nine minute spell early in the second half. Braga captain Vandinho cancelled out Jardel’s opener, before Oscar Cardozo gave Benfica a 2-1 aggregate lead ahead of the second leg.
Both sides had an early scoring chance, first Benfica striker Javier Saviola had his shot cleared, before Silvio fired wide at the other end.
After 20 minutes Saviola forced a good save from Braga goalkeeper Artur, before Pablo Aimar played in Cardozo, only for the Paraguay striker to lift over the bar. Cardozo went close again just before half-time when he collected Saviola’s through ball only to fire against the goal post.
Benfica took the lead five minutes into the second half when Cardozo headed against the post and defender Jardel tucked home the rebound.
Braga leveled matters only three minutes later when Vandinho diverted Hugo Viana’s free kick beyond Roberto for a 1-1 score line.
Cardozo responded for Benfica in the 59th minute when he fired home a delightful free kick from outside the area.
Braga pushed for an equalizer, and came closest when Lima had his low shot saved by Roberto.
Benfica playmaker Pablo Aimar received a second half yellow card that will see him miss the second leg, and Braga goal scorer Vandinho also picked up a booking and will miss the second leg next week.
SCORING SUMMARY
BEN – Jardel (Oscar Cardozo) 50’
BRA – Vandinho (Hugo Viana) 53’
BEN – Oscar Cardozo (unassisted) 59’
LINEUPS
BEN – Roberto, Luisao, Garcia, Cardozo, Aimar, Pereira, Martins (Jara 65), Coentrao, Peixoto (Gaitan 65), Saviola (Airton), Jardel.
BRA – Artur, Rodriguez, Paulao, Garcia, Lima (Kaka), Meyong (Custodio 55), Salino, Silvio, Alan, Viana (Mossoro), Vandinho.
LiveSoccerTV Man of the Match: Oscar Cardozo (SL Benfica).
Both sides had an early scoring chance, first Benfica striker Javier Saviola had his shot cleared, before Silvio fired wide at the other end.
After 20 minutes Saviola forced a good save from Braga goalkeeper Artur, before Pablo Aimar played in Cardozo, only for the Paraguay striker to lift over the bar. Cardozo went close again just before half-time when he collected Saviola’s through ball only to fire against the goal post.
Benfica took the lead five minutes into the second half when Cardozo headed against the post and defender Jardel tucked home the rebound.
Braga leveled matters only three minutes later when Vandinho diverted Hugo Viana’s free kick beyond Roberto for a 1-1 score line.
Cardozo responded for Benfica in the 59th minute when he fired home a delightful free kick from outside the area.
Braga pushed for an equalizer, and came closest when Lima had his low shot saved by Roberto.
Benfica playmaker Pablo Aimar received a second half yellow card that will see him miss the second leg, and Braga goal scorer Vandinho also picked up a booking and will miss the second leg next week.
SCORING SUMMARY
BEN – Jardel (Oscar Cardozo) 50’
BRA – Vandinho (Hugo Viana) 53’
BEN – Oscar Cardozo (unassisted) 59’
LINEUPS
BEN – Roberto, Luisao, Garcia, Cardozo, Aimar, Pereira, Martins (Jara 65), Coentrao, Peixoto (Gaitan 65), Saviola (Airton), Jardel.
BRA – Artur, Rodriguez, Paulao, Garcia, Lima (Kaka), Meyong (Custodio 55), Salino, Silvio, Alan, Viana (Mossoro), Vandinho.
LiveSoccerTV Man of the Match: Oscar Cardozo (SL Benfica).
