22 November 2006, by Tom Kundert

Miccoli brilliance sets up Old Trafford showdown

Benfica 3-1 FC Copenhagen

Benfica continued their topsy-turvy season by bouncing back from heavy weekend defeat at Braga to outclass FC Copenhagen in Lisbon last night and keep their Champions League hopes alive.

A clinical first-half display saw Benfica go into the break three goals up thanks to a Leo strike and a brace from Italian striker Miccoli. Despite the win the Eagles remain in third place in Group F and will need to repeat last season’s heroic victory against Manchester United to stay in the competition – but this time at Old Trafford.

Leo: "We're not going to Manchester for a visit."


After an even opening period in which Nuno Gomes and Gronkjaer both missed decent chances for either side, recalled left-back Leo put the crowd in good voice by firing Benfica into the lead in the 14th minute.

The dynamic Brazilian defender started the move racing down the left flank. Quick passes between Simao and Katsouranis ended with the latter cushioning the ball for Leo to hit a powerful cross-shot past goalkeeper Christiansen.

Miccoli missile

Just two minutes later Miccoli, received a pass from Nuno Gomes on the edge of the box, spun and sent a superb left-foot shot fizzing into the corner of the net.

Simao was next to threaten when a fine run and cross almost led to an own goal from Hangeland and minutes later Miccoli was denied his second when his chip over the keeper was hacked off the line by Hangeland.

Benfica were cutting through the Danish defence at will, so much so it was difficult to fathom how the Lisbon club had failed to beat their opponents in their opening Champions League encounter.

A defensive lapse then allowed Allback a good scoring opportunity but the striker hit a weak shot straight at Quim. Benfica immediately broke up the other end and after Assis fed Nuno Gomes the Portugal striker ran across the box and hit a powerful shot that Christiansen could not hold, and Miccoli was on hand to gleefully knock the ball into the net.

Benfica went into the break with the match sewn up and their supporters no doubt discussing the schizophrenic nature of their team. This is the ninth consecutive match in which Benfica have either scored or conceded at least three goals.

Copenhagen improved considerably after the break while the Portuguese team were content to conserve energy with the game already won. Even so Nuno Gomes contrived to miss a clear chance after more great work from Miccoli, and Simao was only denied by Christiansen after a superb one-two with Gomes put him through on goal.

The Danes got a consolation goal in the final minute when an excellent Allback header flew past Quim.

So, just like last season, Benfica and Manchester United face each other in the final group match, with the Lisbon club having to beat the English giants to remain in the competition, only this time round Cristiano Ronaldo’s team will have home advantage.

PortuGOAL man of the match: Fabrizio Miccoli
The pint-sized striker continued his excellent form this season with a vibrant display littered with darting runs, wonderful pieces of skill and powerful shooting.

Benfica:
Quim, Nelson, Anderson, Ricardo Rocha, Leo; Petit, Katsouranis (Mantorras, 85), Nuno Assis (Karagounis, 80), Simao; Nuno Gomes, Miccoli (Karyaka, 70)
Yellow Cards: Miccoli (26), Nelson (90)

FC Copenhagen:
Christiansen, Jacobsen, Hangeland, Gravgaard, Wendt, Silberbauer (Kvist, 59), Norregaard (Berglund, 59), Linderoth, Hutchinson, Allback, Gronkjaer
Yellow Cards: Linderoth (24), Silberbauer (26), Wendt (74)

Goals:
[1-0] Leo, 14
[2-0] Miccoli, 16
[3-0] Miccoli, 37
[3-1] Allback, 89