Darwin Nunez header stuns Ajax to send Benfica through to Champions League quarter-finals

Benfica have progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2016 after beating Ajax 1-0 (3-2 on aggregate) in the Champions League last 16. Darwin Nunez’s header in the 76th minute proved the difference on a night where Ajax dominated possession, but the visitors fought harder and held on to secure a place in the last eight.

Ad/> Ajax began the game the better of the two sides and finished the first half with eight attempts on goal, but only two on target. Champions LeagueYaremchuk equaliser sees Benfica, Ajax play out entertaining draw23/02/2022 AT 19:06 The first shot on target came to Antony in the 34th minute, but his powerful effort looking for the bottom corner was well claimed by Odysseas Vlachodimos.

Moments later Ryan Gravenberch followed up with a fierce drive which Vlachodimos was forced to tip over the bar. The second half was an uneventful affair with Ajax continuing to pressure but unable to really challenge Vlachodimos in goal as Benfica's defence held firm.

Champions League fixtures/results Champions League top scorers Dusan Tadic, who was Ajax’s liveliest player on the night, came closest with a shot shortly after the break but his strike from the edge of the box flew narrowly over the bar. And it was Benfica who produced a smash and grab victory thanks to Nunez’s header in the 76th minute.

The 22-year-old Uruguayan met Grimaldo’s fine cross into the box, rose above his marker Jurrien Timber and thumped his header in beyond Andre Onana, who flew off his line to try and meet the delivery, to silence the boisterous crowd inside Johan Cruyff ArenA. /> TALKING POINT — PARKING THE BUS PAYS OFF Benfica sat back, had only 34 per cent possession and defended resolutely against an Ajax