Benfica beat Brugge to remain unbeaten in the Champions League

BRUGES, Belgium (AP) — Benfica’s forward line remains dangerous, even after Enzo Fernández left for Chelsea.

João Mário converted a penalty, while substitute David Neres added the second goal two minutes from time as Benfica gained a foothold in the Champions League quarter-finals by beating Brugge 2-0 on Wednesday.

Despite the loss of Argentinian Fernández, the Portuguese side showed they retained their attacking power and ability to win.

The technical superiority of Benfica’s players was evident in the first leg of the Round of 16. The visitors took advantage of almost every chance they had on the ball to create danger.

They could have left the Flemish region with a much more comfortable advantage, but an error in front of goal prevented that.

The scoring opened at minute 51, through João Mário. Brazilian Neres took advantage of a defensive error to make it 2-0 with a low shot.

“When you play the first leg and you win away, you can consider that you have taken a good first step,” said Benfica coach Roger Schmidt.

The Lisbon side are unbeaten in their last eight Champions League matches, with five wins and three draws. The win over the Belgian monarchs marked the first time since the 2005-06 season that Benfica have secured a three-game winning streak in European competition.

Brugge will travel to the Portuguese capital for the second leg, which will take place on March 7.

“This type of match is defined by the details, as soon as you make a mistake, you pay the price,” lamented Bruges defender Clinton Mata. “All is not lost. We must remain optimistic. Everything is possible in football”.