Benfica has taken a minimal lead over Braga on Thursday night at the Estadio da Luz, beating Domingos’s side 2-1. Cardozo scored the winner for the hosts who are now 90 minutes from a big success within the European competition. Jardel opened the score in the 50th minute, but Vandinho leveled it three minutes later. Fortunately, an inspired Cardozo brought half-qualification in Lisbon.
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Braga got their first chance early in the third minute, but Silvio’s shot from range went just wide. Cardozo scored the first goal of the meeting eight minutes later, but the assistant disallowed it for a clear offside position. Former Barcelona striker Saviola missed another opportunity for Jorge Jesus’s side in the 21st minute. Saviola was picked in good position, but his strike hit Artur. Cardozo got even a third chance in the 32nd minute. Aimar picked the midfielder on the edge of the box only to fire it over the bar to the dismay of coach Jesus.
Aimar and Cardozo have missed three more golden chances within three minutes but neither of them could put it beyond Artur. First, Aimar hit Artur from inside the box, while Cardozo followed him with two dangerous shots the same keeper was equal to. The half time went scoreless, but the opener could be felt in the air.
Lima was the first to put Roberto into big trouble in the 48th minute. Braga’s left striker fired a tricky shot the keeper saved, while the follow-up was finished poorly by Salino. Benfica then broke back and brought the first lead of the night. Pereira beat his mark before striking a superb cross Cardozo headed into the right post. Fortunately, the follow-up was converted into opener by an inspired Jardel. But all of a sudden, things got back to normal. Braga made it 1-1 three minutes later. Vandinho scored his first goal in the competition thanks to an astonishing header which followed a perfect free-kick and beat the keeper from 17 yards.
Even so, Benfica never gave up and managed to take back the lead six minutes later. The hosts won a free-kick 20 yards out Cardozo delivered over the wall and into the top corner. The 81st minute found Lima chasing the second leveler, but his shot met Roberto on the way. Finally, Saviola could have made it even 3-1 had his volley reached the target. It went 2-1 as Benfica become the main favorite for a final spot. The second leg is scheduled to take place next Thursday at the Municipal de Braga.
Benfica – Roberto; Coentrao, Jardel, Luisao, Pereira; Javi Garcia, Martins, Aimar, Peixoto; Cardozo, Saviola. Reserves: Alan Kardec, Sidnei, Airton, F. Jara, N. Gaitan, Julio Cesar, Felipe Menezes.
Sporting Braga – Artur; Garcia, Rodriguez, Paulao, Silvio; Alan, Vandinho, Viana, Salino; Lima, Meyong. Reserves: Kaka, Custodio, Elderson, M. Mossoro, C. Figueiredo, H. Barbosa, Anibal.
