Benfica beat Nice 2-0 in France to take a big step forward in the Champions League qualifiers | OneFootball

Benfica defeated Nice 2-0 at Allianz Riviera in the first leg of the Champions League third round qualifiers.

The Eagles edged a tight first half with Jonathan Clauss missing a glorious chance to open the scoring shortly after half-time.

Franjo Ivanovic punished the French side in the 53rd minute when he got on the end of Fredrik Aursnes’ cross and steered the ball past Yehvann Diouf.

The new recruit had two more opportunities on debut before Benfica doubled their advantage in the 88th minute, substitute Florentino firing a long range into the net.

Bruno Lage’s side now have six days to prepare for the second leg in Lisboa after their Primeira Liga match against Rio Ave was postponed.

Nice 0-2 Benfica

The first chance in France fell to Andreas Schjelderup who capitalized on some hesitation from Antoine Mendy, his shot deflected wide by Juma Bah.

The Danish winger was looking lively, driving towards the byline before the break and delivering a cross to Vangelis Pavlidis who couldn't connect from close range.

Terem Moffi fired into the side netting and Badredine Bouanani sent an effort over the bar as the hosts were not getting anywhere near Anatoliy Trubin.

Franck Haise brought Kojo Peprah Oppong on for 41-year-old defender Dante at the break and five minutes later Nice had a fantastic chance to score.

Jonathan Clauss got into the box where he surged past Nicolás Otamendi and António Silva, the right back completely mistiming a shot that he was forced to take on his left foot.

It proved to be a turning point with Benfica taking the lead in the 53th minute. Amar Dedic released Fredrik Aursnes who sent a cross into the danger area, Franjo Ivanovic getting behind Mendy and steering the ball past Yehvann Diouf.

The Croatian forward missed the top corner and less than 60 seconds later had another chance, getting past Oppong and shooting straight at Diouf.

Bruno Lage brought on Gianluca Prestianni for Schelderup and made a triple switch in the 66th minute when he introduced Florentino, Leandro Barreiro and Henrique Araújo for Enzo Barrenechea, Ivanovic and Pavlidis.

Benfica doubled their advantage in the 88th minute when Florentino tried his luck from distance, the midfielder firing through traffic with Diouf unable to react in time as the ball nestled in the net.

Ivanovic makes an impact on debut

Bruno Lage brought Franjo Ivanovic straight into the starting side after the forward sealed a €22.8m move from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise. Looking lively in a supporting role behind Vangelis Pavlidis, he got his reward with the opening goal and could have added at least one more.

The Croatian had 10 touches in the opposition box, twice as many as any other player on the pitch, alongside a game high four shots. He should continue to improve as he gets used to his teammates and adapts to life in Lisbon.

Nice no chance

Benfica produced a professional performance against a Nice side that were missing centre-backs Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Mohamed Abdelmonem and Moïse Bombito. They have been severely depleted up front with Gaëtan Laborde sold to Saudi Arabian club Al Diraiyah and Evann Guessand on the verge of a move to Aston Villa.

The Eagles should have no problems finishing the job at Estádio da Luz and advancing to the play-offs where Feyenoord or Fenerbahce will stand in their way of a spot in the Champions League league phase.

No away fans

There was a gaping hole at Allianz Riviera as Benfica supporters served a one-match suspension. The ban was imposed by UEFA's disciplinary committee due to some fans using flares and confronting security guards in Barcelona on March 11.

The Eagles were fined €15,000 and warned that if more incidents occur, they will face the penalty of another away game without fans for the following two years.