Comfortable win for Benfica against Paços de Ferreira | OneFootball

In anticipation of the Champions League encounter with Club Brugge, Benfica faced Paços de Ferreira in the home league on Thursday evening. The game ended in a straightforward 0-2 win for the visitors, goals courtesy of Grimaldo and Joao Mario.

The league leaders paid a visit to bottom-of-the-league Paços de Ferreira, and took the lead earlyon in the game. Guedes was fouled outside of the box, and the ensuing free kick was fired in in the bottom corner. A thrilling start for Benfica, doubling the lead minutes later through Joao Mario from close range. The 0-2 inspired the hosts to go into the attack, but other than a ball hitting the post just before the break, no real chances followed.

The second half was the mirror image of the first, with Benfica in control with lots of possession, albeit without creating too much danger. This resulted in a huge number of corner kicks, but the hosts defense was not asked any real questions, except for a long-range shot by Otamendi and a header by Silva, both missing target. The home side had one more chance to draw nearer, but Thomas' effort once again met with the woodwork. The easy win helps Benfica to a seven point gap with current runners-up Braga. (KV)

Benfica: Vlachodimos, Grimaldo, Otamendi, Silva, Bah, Fernandez, Luis (74’ Chiquinho), Aursnes, Guedes (74’ Draxler), Joao Mario (89’ Neres), Ramos (58’ Musa). Doelpunten: 7’ Grimaldo (0-1), 11’ Joao Mario (0-2).