Benfica 2-0 Astana
Benfica ended the night smiling on an evening of Champions League debuts at a wet and windy Estádio da Luz tonight. Youngsters Nélson Semedo and Gonçalo Guedes played for the first time in the world's greatest club competition, as did Jonas for Benfica, given that the Brazilian signed too late to take part in last season's ill-fated campaign, while coach Rui Vitória was also getting his first taste of Champions League action.
Astana as a whole were novices at this level, the team from Kazakhstan having surprised everybody including themselves by reaching the group stages.
Although their performance was far from fluid, especially in a turgid first half, the Portuguese champions had little difficulty in clocking up a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Nico Gaitán and Mitroglou.
Unsurprisingly Rui Vitória stuck to the same starting XI that had mercilessly dispatched Belenenses 6-0 at the same venue last Friday, and hopes were high that a similar display and an equally convincing scoreline could be achieved against the Asian unknowns.
Those expectations were put to bed in a disappointing first half, with Benfica lacking dynamism and intensity, Jonas having the only chance of note on the half hour mark, that Astana goalkeeper Nenad Eric did well to keep out with his feet.
Benfica were almost made to pay for their lackadaisical attitude at the start of the second half as Astana substitute Shchetkin wriggled through the heart of the Benfica defence and toe-poked an effort past Júlio César and onto the post.
Quick-fire double
The scare seemed to wake up Benfica, who took the lead shortly afterwards from the irrepressible Gaitán. The Argentine magician jinked his way into the box and fired a firm cross-shot low into the corner of the net. 1-0 soon became 2-0 as Jonas released Eliseu with a subtle touch, and the Portugal left-back calmly waited for the right moment to cross low for an easy finish for Greek striker Mitroglou.
A much improved second-half display could have resulted in more goals, but Benfica will be content to have got the three points (and the respective €1.5m win bonus from UEFA) without having to over-exert themselves ahead of Sunday's clássico against FC Porto.
"We lacked fluidity and intensity in the first half, but the interval was crucial to correct things and take advantage of spaces out wide. We scored two goals and got a deserved victory without conceding," said a satisfied Vitória after the match.
by Tom Kundert
Benfica: Júlio César, Nélson Semedo, Jardel, Luisão, Eliseu, Gaitán, Samaris (Fejsa, 85'), Talisca (Jiménez, 77'), Gonçalo Guedes, Jonas (Pizzi, 72'), Mitroglou
Goals:
[1-0] Gaitán, 51'
[2-0] Mitroglou, 62'
