Benfica’s João Mário and Neres consign Scott Parker’s Club Brugge to defeat

João Mário’s second-half penalty and a late goal from David Neres gave Benfica a 2-0 win over Scott Parker’s Club Brugge in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in Belgium, giving the Portuguese club a big advantage for next month’s second leg.

A 51st-minute spot kick by João Mário came after Benfica had spurned a host of good opportunities as they dominated the encounter away from home and ensured they have a lead to defend in Lisbon on 7 March. The penalty was awarded after Brugge’s Scottish defender Jack Hendry had brought down Gonçalo Ramos with a clumsy challenge.

Neres took advantage of a defensive slip to tuck away the second goal in the 88th minute. Brugge defender Bjorn Meijer failed to clear and the substitute Neres stole in to take possession and score. He had a further effort in the net in added time but it was disallowed for offside.

João Mário was among a host of Benfica forwards who missed good chances in the first half as the two-times European Cup winners overcame a good early spell from Parker’s side to set up a series of opportunities. Ramos and António Silva squandered the best opportunities as they headed efforts over the top.

With the crowd in full support, Brugge produced a bright start to the game with Tajon Buchanan and Noa Lang having efforts blocked in the opening 20 minutes at the Jan Breydel Stadium.

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But, after that, the visitors took command and were able to easily cut through the home defence, though they proved poor with their finishing.