Greg . 1 day ago

Benfica take two-goal lead support to Portugal after first-leg win over Nice

Benfica will hand over a 2-0 advantage support to Portugal after defeating Nice in the first leg of their third qualifying round for the UEFA Champions League (UCL), meaning the Aguias are now unbeaten in regulation time in their last 19 games (W13, D6).

After finishing fourth in Ligue 1 last term, Nice acquired the right to join UCL qualifying in the third round, facing off against Benfica in what was their first competitive meeting.

The Portuguese side are also entering at this stage of qualification, but having participated in the FIFA Club World Cup, came into this fixture with recent competitive games under their belt, and that sharpness looked to be on their side as Andreas Schjelderup came close early on.

However, Les Aiglons soon showcased a threat of their own, with Terem Moffi nearly capping off a quick transition.

An effort from distance 20 minutes in almost shattered the deadlock, yet Richard Rios couldn’t beat Yehvann Diouf with his set-piece strike, keeping the contest scoreless.

With half-time looming, Benfica were once again causing the Nice defence issues, and only a terrific Diouf stop refused Vangelis Pavlidis the opener.

An entertaining half ultimately terminated goalless, with Benfica needing a goal after the shatter if they were to lengthen their 20-game scoring streak in all competitions.

Nice’s last nine home encounters in European competition possessed seen both sides score, and they started the second period positively as they looked to keep up their terminate of the bargain.

However, with 53 minutes on the clock, the away side seized the advantage thanks to a brilliant searching cross from Fredrik Aursnes that establish Franjo Ivanovic, who turned in on the stretch.

Diouf then possessed to be alert to keep out Ivanovic’s low steer minutes later, allowing Nice to regain a foothold in proceedings.

Nonetheless, the French side were unable to re-establish parity in the remaining half-hour, rarely troubling Bruno Lage’s backline, and after defending resolutely, a late flourish from the away side led to a second goal when Florentino unleashed a rocket from range, deceiving Diouf as it rebounded into the net to seal a first-leg triumph.

As a result, Benfica lead into the second leg as firm favourites, expanded by their record of progressing as far as the UCL knockouts in three of the last four seasons.

As for Nice, they will have an uphill task as they look to overturn a two-goal deficit that stands between them and a first appearance in Europe’s premier club competition since 1959/60.

Betopick Man of the Match: Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica)Click here for more on the matchThe key statsBetopick