Lima scored a sensational late winner as Benfica earned a dramatic 2-1 victory over Juventus in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final at the Estadio da Luz on Thursday night. The Brazilian striker picked the ideal time to strike in Lisbon, with his powerful 84th-minute finish giving the Eagles the upper hand heading into next weeks return in Turin. Benfica – who lost last seasons final to Chelsea – took the lead in the third minute thanks to Ezequiel Garays header. Juventus had no shortage of motivation either, with this years final to be held in Turin, and after a good second half, levelled proceedings when Carlos Tevez netted a well-taken finish with 17 minutes left. The goal – Tevezs first in European competition since scoring for Manchester United in April 2009 – looked like it would give the Serie A outfit a crucial draw, but Lima had other ideas. Benfica goalkeeper Artur Moraes then superbly kept out Claudio Marchisio as the hosts held on for a win that continues their push for a quadruple. Having already sewn up the Primeira Liga title, Benfica have booked a spot in the Taca de Portugal final and will contest a Taca da Liga semi-final against Porto on Sunday. It took less than two minutes for Jorge Jesus men to take the lead asGaraypowerfully headed in Miralem Sulejmanis corner from the left. Slack marking from Leonardo Bonucci allowed Garay a free header, with the defenders decision to push his opponent, instead of challenge him in the air, sure to be questioned by coach Antonio Conte. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon could not keep the effort out, despite getting two hands to it, and he will have been pleased to see Sulejmani slice an effort wide after a quick Benfica counterattack in the 11th minute. Juventus – missing star midfielder Arturo Vidal to a knee injury – struggled to make inroads despite a good spell of possession, with Tevez not troubling Artur with a tame 20-yard effort. An excellent slaloming run from Tevez on the half-hour mark was indicative of Juves first-half struggles, as the sharp build-up play amounted to nothing, and when they did create another chance, defender Stephan Lichtsteiner was in an offside position when he wasted a free header. Juve came close to levelling proceedings 10 minutes into the second half, with Artur doing well to tip Paul Pogbas header wide after Marchisios clever centre. The Serie A leaders kept pressing, as Lichtsteiners teasing ball across the face of goal had to be well cleared by Maximiliano Pereira before they were eventually rewarded by Tevez
Posted on: Thu, 24 Apr 2014 21:26:34 +0000
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