Updated on 03/07/2023 23:46
- Benfica Lisbon has reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
- The Portuguese league leaders convincingly defeated the Belgian champions Club Brugge 5-1.
- Benfica had already reached the last eight last year.
Confident in the national league, superior in the Champions League: Coach Roger Schmidt has reached the quarter-finals of the European premier class with the Portuguese record champions Benfica Lisbon following a shooting match. The leaders of the Primeira Liga, who are heading towards their first title since 2019, convincingly defeated the ailing Belgian champions FC Brugge 5-1 (1-0) in the second leg of the round of 16. Benfica won the first leg 2-0.
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Rafa Silva (38′), Goncalo Ramos (45’+2/57′), who had scored three times for Portugal in the World Cup round of 16 once morest Switzerland (6-1), and the strong Joao Mario scored the goals for the friendly hosts (71′, penalty kick) and David Neres (78′). Björn Meijer (87th) scored late for Brugge. Benfica, opponents of Bayer Leverkusen in the group stage, had already reached the round of eight last year. There, the two-time national champion lost to eventual finalists Liverpool FC.
It might have been worse for Bruges
Things might have been far worse for Brugge, currently fourth in the domestic league. However, a hoe hit by Joao Mario following 76 seconds was disallowed for offside. In addition, Meijer hit a volley from the 30-year-old offensive player just off the line (20.) (SID/jst)
