Benfica Lisbon punched their ticket for the Champions League. The team of coach Roger Schmidt convinces with 3:0 in the second leg against Dynamo Kiev.
The starting position for the Eagles was ideal. After the 2-0 win in the first leg against Kiev, Benfica went into the home match at the Estádio da Luz with a broad chest – and it was to grow little by little. Coach Roger Schmidt relied on his first-leg eleven and apparently made exactly the right decision. Lisbon pressed Dynamo deep in their own half early on and created chance after chance.
In the end it was Otamendi whose pinpoint header sealed the lead for the hosts (27th). There was little or nothing from Kiev up to that point. Dynamo coach Mircea Lucescu had changed his team in four positions, some of which he had to change. For example, Tsygankov, who had made an important contribution in the first leg, was absent. Karavaev started in his place, but was unable to make his mark on the game.
Benfica with double strike just before the break
Instead, only the Portuguese record champions played. After a huge blunder by Syrota, Rafa had a free run and only needed to push in for 2:0 (40.). Only two minutes later, David Neres stroked the ball into the net with a left-footed shot (42). The game was already decided before the half-time whistle.
The second half started with a shock moment. Rafa and Goncalo Ramos collided with each other and both had to be treated for a few minutes. For Goncalo Ramos, who suffered a laceration in the action, the working day ended prematurely. However, Benfica will probably not have to fear a longer period of absence.
The Eagles showed themselves merciful in the aftermath and switched to a slow gear. Benfica repeatedly had half-chances, but it was rarely really compelling. With the exception of the 85th minute, when Fernandez had a free shot, but failed to hit Bushchan from a few metres. Kiev’s keeper was the visitors’ best player anyway – indicative of Lisbon’s dominance, which sparkled with playfulness on this evening.
On Thursday Benfica look ahead to the Champions League draw in Istanbul before their away game at Boavista Porto on Saturday (7pm). Kiev welcome SC Dnipro-1 on Sunday (4pm).
