Benfica Approaches Qualification for Champions League Group Stage

Benfica of Portugal is on the verge of advancing to the qualification round for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League following their valuable 2-0 victory against Russian host Spartak Moscow on Wednesday in the first leg of the third qualifying round. Both teams were unable to score during the first half, which ended in a goalless draw. In the second half, Rafa Silva opened the scoring for Benfica in the 51st minute, while his Brazilian teammate Gilberto added the second goal in the 73rd minute. Benfica only needs to lose by a single goal in the return leg, which will be held at their home stadium next Tuesday, to continue in a tournament they won in 1961 and 1962, while Spartak will be striving to avoid an early exit from the competition.