Olympiakos 1-0 Benfica | Champions League Group C match report A first-half header from Kostas Manolas and an inspired performance by goalkeeper Roberto lifted Olympiakos to a 1-0 win over Benfica in a tight Champions League Group C match on Tuesday. The Greek champions rode their luck against their Portuguese opponents after taking a 13th-minute lead, but despite enjoying plenty of possession, Benfica could not find a way past their former keeper, who made several crucial saves. The win moved Oympiakos up to second in the group on seven points, three clear of Benfica in third and three behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain. Despite their recent run of good form at home and in Europe, Olympiakos were nervy in the opening exchanges as the visitors looked more fluid. Benfica could have been two goals ahead in the first eight minutes but for the reflexes of Roberto. The Spaniard first denied Oscar Cardozo with a diving save before scampering off his line to block Lazar Markovics goal-bound effort. Benficas promising start was ruined after 13 minutes, however, when Greece defender Manolas rose unchallenged to power home a header from José Holebass inch-perfect set-piece. The goal did not deter the visitors, who continued to enjoy the lions share of possession, but Luisãos header which flashed over the crossbar from a corner was their only attacking threat heading into half-time. The second period began in the same fashion as the first, with Benfica on top and Roberto keeping the lead intact with a brilliant save to deny Markovic, blocking the Benfica mans acrobatic volley with his legs when a goal looked certain. Roberto later denied Salvio with yet another fine save after the left-back was put clean through on goal, before the hero of the night palmed away a snapshot from the Benfica substitute Filip Djuricic to ensure victory. Champions League Olympiakos Benfica theguardian © 2013 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More news on: ift.tt/nYbTwk
Posted on: Tue, 05 Nov 2013 22:31:12 +0000
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