Rafa Silva-Angel Di Maria Brings Benfica To Win 2-1 When Menjamu Marseille In The First Leg Of The Europa League

Celebration of Benfica players after breaking into Marseille's goal (Youtube screenshot)

Benfica sealed a narrow win with a score of 2-1 when they hosted Marseille in the first leg of the Europa League at the Da Luz Stadium, Lisbon, Friday morning WIB. In this match Benfica's victory came thanks to goals scored by Rafa Silva and Angel Di Maria, while Marseille had time to reply through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, UEFA noted. This result made Benfica only need to secure a draw in the second leg to advance to the semifinals, while Marseille had to win by two goals. Statistically, Benfica's possession took the lead by recording 57 percent, while Marseille took the lead in an attempted shot at the goal. The match opened with buying and selling attacks between the two teams, but no mature opportunities have been created yet, bajk from Benfica or Marseille. Even so, Benfica was able to steal the lead first through a goal scored by Rafa Silva in the 16th minute after using Casper Tengstedt's pass so that the score changed to 1-0. Benfica again posed a threat to Marseille's goal, this time through Joao Neves' shot which was still secure by Marseille goalkeeper Pau Lopez. Entering the second half, Benfica took the initiative to attack first and was able to double the lead to 2-0 in the 52nd minute through a goal scored by Angel Di Maria after maximizing David Neres' pass. Left behind by two goals, Marseille tried to get up and had a chance through Iliman Ndiaye's hard kick which still hit the net outside Benfica. Marseille were finally able to reduce its gap to 1-2 after Azzedine Ounahi's through ball was converted into a goal by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 67th minute.

In the remaining time, Marseille tried to find a equalizer, while Benfica tried to maintain the lead and the 2-1 score for the hosts' victory finally lasted until the long whistle sounded. Furthermore, the two teams will meet again in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals at the Velodrome Stadium, Marseille, Thursday (18/4) evening local time.