The champions elect of Portugal, Benfica claimed a 2-1 victory over Italian giants Juventus in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday evening, in a match which was hotly contested until the final whistle.
The hosts rushed into an early lead as Ezequiel Garay climbed high to meet Miralem Sulejmani's outswinging corner. Juventus shotstopper Gianluigi Buffon was no match for his low header, as he could only get his fingertips on it. The Old Lady certainly looked frail at the back and was too slow to react to the set-piece.
In the initial stages it was clear durability and stamina would be important for either side to win the match, as it was end to end action. An entertaining contest from the neutral perspective. Despite the fast paced action, neither side were really able to challenge their opposing 'keepers. And so at half-time the score persisted at 1-0.
A Juventus counter attack early in the second half almost produced an equaliser. Mirko Vucinic played Marchisio in behind the defence but his pace and poor control forced him into a position where crossing was a better option than going for goal. Paul Pogba met the cross and caught Artur wrong footed but the 'keeper impressively able to pull off the save.
Just a minute later at the opposite end, Benfica's appeals for a penalty were waved away. Enzo Perez thought he was fouled by Martin Caceres after nutmegging the defender but it looked like the right call from the referee.
Juventus controlled much of the second 45, looking for that crucial away goal. Despite their more attacking play, there weren't many clear cut chances for the Bianconeri.
That was until Carlos Tevez ended a five year wait for a European goal. Substitute Kwadwo Asamoah cut the ball back to the Argentine from the left. Cool and composed, said Argentine skipped passed Luisão before stroking the ball past Artur.
This only spurred on The Eagles, knowing that a 1-1 draw would not be a good result to take going into the away leg, especially against a prolific side like Juventus.
Benfica then restored their lead minutes from the end through substitute Lima. Ivan Cavaleiro delicately flicked Perez' pass into the path of Lima, who blasted it first time into the top corner.
Lazar Markovic came close to doubling Benfica's advantage moments later but his curling effort narrowly missed Buffon's left-hand post.
Juventus were by no means down and out; they refused to give up and Marchisio forced Artur into two important saves late on. However, Benfica managed to hold on for the win.
Benfica now inch ever closer to ending their 52 year wait for a European trophy, which some have dubbed as a “curse”. Nevertheless, as the saying goes “it's not over until the fat lady sings”, the old lady will certainly want to prove that next week.