Roger Schmidt has continued his winning streak with Benfica in the Champions League. In the round of 16 first leg, the German soccer coach won with the Portuguese 2-0 (0-0) at FC Bruges and thus achieved an ideal starting position for the quarter-finals.
João Mário (51st minute/penalty) and David Neres (88th) scored the goals for Benfica on Wednesday evening, who are still unbeaten in this premier season under Schmidt. The second leg will take place on March 7th at the Estádio da Luz. Even without world champion Enzo Fernandez, Benfica are aiming for the next round like last year. The Argentine switched to Chelsea during the winter break for 121 million euros.
Benfica dominated events even without Julian Draxler, who was in the squad but did not play. Except for one phase in the first half, Bruges acted largely unimaginative. With the lead behind them, the “Adlers” were able to concentrate even more on their defense – Neres made everything clear shortly before the end.
Benfica didn’t get off to a good start with the Belgians. Brugge dominated the early stages but didn’t create any clear chances. The Portuguese only got stronger after almost half an hour, but António Silva (27′), Rafa Silva (30′) and Gonçalo Ramos (46′) didn’t take advantage of their good opportunities.
Ramos was then fouled in the penalty area after the break and João Mário converted the penalty that was due under the bar. Benfica then controlled the game, and shortly before the end Neres made the decision from close range after a mistake by the hosts.