16 March 2007, by Tom Kundert

Ice-cool Simao propels Benfica into UEFA CUP quarter-finals

Benfica 3-1 PSG (agg. 4-3)

Benfica are in today’s UEFA Cup quarter-final draw after edging past Paris Saint-Germain in a tense encounter at the Estadio da Luz.

A Simao strike and a magnificent Petit goal seemingly put Benfica in control, but Pauleta pegged back his countrymen by scoring with a header before half time to level the tie on aggregate. It stayed that way until two minutes from time when Leo won a penalty and an ice-cool Simao slotted the spot kick home to trigger joyous scenes among the capacity crowd.

Against all expectations PSG, who are struggling to avoid relegation in France, adopted an adventurous approach throughout the match rather than opting to defend their 2-1 first-leg lead.

After just two minutes Rothen picked out Pauleta with a cross-field pass and the Portuguese striker’s volley brought a sharp save out of Moretto. Gallardo then sent a dangerous shot over the bar as the visitors dominated the opening exchanges.

Quick-thinking Gomes

Against the run of play Benfica took the lead with their first effort on goal after 12 minutes. Traore’s headed clearance fell at the feet of Nuno Gomes and the Portugal striker adjusted brilliantly to slide an immediate pass invitingly into the path of Simao who made no mistake, tucking the ball under Landreau and into the net.

The goal clearly boosted Benfica’s confidence and knocked back PSG and three minutes later the Eagles were desperately unlucky not to double the lead. Gomes again showed superb awareness to knock a cross back to Katsouranis and the Greek midfielder crashed a volley onto the bar.

The rebound was picked up by Benfica’s other Greek midfielder Karagounis whose skidding shot was deflected by a diving Laundreau onto the post.

Miccoli was next to threaten as his shot was too hot to handle for the overworked PSG goalkeeper with Gomes hitting the parried save into the side-netting.

Petit wonder goal

A second goal seemed inevitable and duly arrived in spectacular fashion in the 26th minute. Petit picked up the ball twenty-five metres from goal and, spotting Laundreau marginally off his line, the international midfielder lifted the sweetest of lobs over the ‘keeper and into the net via the bottom the crossbar.

A rampant Benfica were now threatening to turn the match into a rout, but the home supporters were given a rude shock when Rothen, who caused Benfica problems all night, swung over a tantalising cross that Pauleta swooped to head in to level the tie on aggregate.

It was now Benfica’s turn to wobble in a fascinating first half, and PSG were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty in the 43rd minute when Nelson appeared to foul Diane in the box.

The second half failed to live up to the excitement of the opening period with chances few and far between and a series of heavy challenges breaking up play as several players required treatment.

Fernando Santos sent on Derlei for the final 15 minutes and the former Porto player made an immediate impact. The Brazilian started a quick counter-attack before teeing up Katsouranis but as the Greek seemed certain to score Traore managed to make a sliding block to deflect the shot for a corner.

With extra time looming left-back Leo went on meandering run into the box and was brought down by a clumsy Mulumbu challenge for a clear penalty. Captain Marvellous Simao Sabrosa was the coolest man in the stadium as he hit a crisp shot into the net to put Benfica into the last eight of the competition.

The draw will take place in Glasgow later today.

PortuGOAL man of the match:
Simao – It is impossible to understate the influence of Benfica’s captain on the team. Another high-quality display was deservedly crowned with two goals.

Benfica:
Moretto, Nelson, David Luiz, Anderson, Leo, Petit, Katsouranis, Karagounis (Joao Coimbra, 45), Simao, Miccoli (Derlei, 76), Nuno Gomes (Paulo Jorge, 89)
Yellow Cards: Katsouranis (21), Miccoli (69), Nuno Gomes (90)

PSG:
Landreau, Mabiabala (Mendy, 74), Rozehnal, Traore, Drame, Mulumbu, Diane, Gallardo (Kalou, 70), Rothen, Pauleta, Luyindula (Ngog, 70)
Yellow Cards: Mulumbu (1 & 87), Rothen (60), Traore (90)
Red Card: Mulumbu (87)

Goals:
[1-0] Simao, 12
[2-0] Petit (26)
[2-1] Pauleta (31)
[3-1] Simao, 88 (pen)