Club Brugge succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at home to Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League knock-out tie against Benfica. The away side were deserved winners, having plenty of chances on the night and could have won by more. Club Brugge must now go to Portugal and score at least three times if they are to make it into the next round.
Despite Benfica having all the chances in the first half, Club Brugge thought they had taken the lead through Denis Odoi late in the first half. Unfortunately for the hosts the offside flag denied them the lead. Shortly into the start of the second half Benfica finally took the lead after Jack Hendry gave a penalty away that was dispatched by Joao Mario.
Benfica’s second came after a mistake from Bjorn Meijer allowed David Neres to steal the ball and coolly finish the game and perhaps the tie.
It was a disappointing night for the defending Belgian champions after their fantastic run in the group stages. They only managed one shot on target from Noa Lang, who was by far their most dangerous player on the night. This means that under Scott Parker the side have won just one game in eight.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
