2 November 2006, by Tom Kundert

Benfica bounce back into contention

Benfica 3-0 Celtic

Benfica exacted revenge on Celtic for the 3-0 hammering they received in Glasgow a fortnight ago, by inflicting exactly the same scoreline on the Scots in Lisbon last night.

An own goal from Caldwell and a Nuno Gomes strike gave the home side a comfortable half-time lead and Karyaka capped a highly satisfactory night by scoring after a fine flowing move in the second half.

"It was not perfect but it was a good game" - Fernando Santos

The Celtic supporters won many friends before kick-off as they unfurled a giant banner in tribute to the late Miklos Feher who tragically died on the pitch while playing for Benfica three years ago.

The fantastic atmosphere in the stadium was maintained throughout the match, with Benfica’s fans happily mingling with Celtic’s huge legion of travelling supporters.

Caldwell clanger

Celtic defender Caldwell took the spirit of friendship to a new level however, when he turned a dangerous Nelson cross into his own net to put the Portuguese team ahead after 10 minutes.

Katsouranis and Luisao came close to doubling Benfica’s lead in quick succession but the majority of the big crowd did not have long to wait before celebrating again. The unfortunate Caldwell was again at fault as he inadvertently deflected a goal kick from Quim straight into the path of Nuno Gomes who gratefully steered the ball into the net.

Miccoli, back in the team after missing the defeat against Porto through suspension, then came close with a powerful shot from 25 metres that flew just over the crossbar.

Miller then forced Luisao into a fine blocking challenge as Celtic at last began to put together some threatening attacking play. Five minutes before the break Miller slipped a perfect ball to his strike partner Pearson who hit a left-foot shot wide when well placed.

As in the final 15 minutes of the first half, Celtic continued to enjoy more possession in the first 15 minutes of the second period as Benfica seemed content to defend their lead. On 64 minutes the Scots almost got a reward for their pressure as a Pearson effort was touched onto the bar by Quim before the ball was hacked off the line by the Benfica defence.

Karyaka cracker

Fernando Santos took off Miccoli for Karyaka and it proved a good move as the Russian’s accurate passing helped Benfica seize back the initiative. And the Russian put the result beyond doubt in the 76th minute as the Eagles produced a wonderful team goal.

Slick first-time passing saw the ball rapidly transported into the area via Petit, Simao and Nelson, for Karyaka to produce the coolest of finishes by firing low into the net from 15 metres.

Nuno Gomes, Nuno Assis and Luisao all had chances to score a fourth but could not beat Boruc. With FC Copenhagen’s surprise victory over Manchester United Group F has been thrown wide open with all four teams able to finish in any of the four positions.

PortuGOAL man of the match: Nelson
The exciting right-back is recapturing the form that made him such a favourite in the first half of last season and played crucial roles in the first and third goals.

Benfica:
Quim, Nelson, Luisao, Ricardo Rocha, Leo, Petit (Beto, 84), Katsouranis, Nuno Assis, Simao, Nuno Gomes (Mantorras, 88), Miccoli (Karyaka, 67)
Yellow Cards: Ricardo Rocha (28), Leo (54)

Celtic:
Boruc, Telfer, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor, Nakamura, Sno (Zurawski, 72), Lennon, Pearson, Maloney (McGeady, 64), Miller
Yellow Cards: Sno (5), Maloney (55), Pearson (87)

Goals:
[1-0] Caldwell, 10 (o.g.)
[2-0] Nuno Gomes, 22
[3-0] Karyaka, 76