Benfica lose to leave Champions League hopes hanging by a thread

Celtic 1-0 Benfica

Benfica suffered a huge setback to their aspirations of advancing to the next phase of the Champions League with a 1-0 loss against Celtic in Glasgow.

A fortuitous Aiden McGeady strike was enough to see The Hoops earn the victory, while Benfica languish in last place with only three points to their name from four matches. Fighting for a Uefa Cup berth would now appear to be a more realistic aim.

Celtic created the first dangerous opportunity as Kennedy should have done better when he headed wide of Quim’s net from point-blank range in the 10th minute. Two minutes later Cardozo got Benfica going as the Paraguayan released a firm low shot, but Boruc produced a fine save.

Lively Cardozo

Cardozo was playing with inspiration as the Benfica striker created several half-chances in the opening 20 minutes. Celtic were not to be outdone as McDonald let a sizzling shot towards goal in the 22nd minute which brought a sharp save from Quim.

Just before the break, Celtic mounted an attack deep in the Benfica half. McGeady dribbled towards the corner of the Benfica box and let fly. His shot took a deflection off Luisao and went past Quim to make it 1-0.

The second half was played at a lower pace than the first as Celtic were comfortable playing a more defensive game and hitting on the counter-attack. In the 62nd minute Cardozo spurned a glorious opportunity to draw Benfica level.

A cross came in from the left straight towards the onrushing and unmarked Cardozo, but Benfica’s big off-season acquisition made a mess of it. With Boruc rooted to the spot, the Paraguayan’s effort went off his shoulder and grazed the outside of the post.

Binya horror tackle

Things went from bad to worse for the Eagles in the 84th minute as Binya was red carded for a senseless and horrific tackle on Brown.

The Cameroonian lost his head as he lunged at the Celtic player’s outstretched leg, firmly planting his studs into the middle of his adversary’s shin. The Benfica midfielder is likely to face severe repercussions for his actions, both internally and by Uefa.

To qualify Benfica will have to win their next two matches, hope that Celtic and Shahktar draw against each other and that Milan beat the Scots in their final match.

Celtic:
Boruc, Caldwell, Kennedy, McManus, Naylor, McGeady, Hartly, Brown (Sno, 88), Jarosik (Donati, 66), Vennegoor of Hesselink (Killen, 66), McDonald

Benfica:
Quim, Luis Filipe, Luisao, Edcarlos, Leo, Katsouranis, Binya, Maxi Pereira (Di Maria, 60), Rui Costa (Bergessio, 77), Cristian Rodriguez, Cardozo (Nuno Gomes, 77)
Yellow Cards: Maxi Pereira (42)
Red Cards: Binya (84)

Goals:
[1-0] McGeady, 45