Benfica continued their perfect start in the UEFA Europa League after a 4-1 victory against Omonia Nicosia.
The Portuguese club had a bright start in Cyprus and took the lead in the 14th minute. Fredrik Aursnes got behind the hosts’ defence and sent a cross to Claudio Echeverri who saw his header deflect off Loïc Nego and nestle in the net.
Omonia were threatening and lacking composure in front of goal, but that changed in the 42nd minute. Ewandro Costa released Jaden Montnor who showed great skill to lift the ball over Alexander Bah and pick out Andronikos Kakoulis who headed home from close range.
The second half was just four minutes old when Benfica regained the lead. Bah got on the end of Echeverri’s cross but couldn’t beat Fabiano Freitas, the ball falling straight to Vangelis Pavlidis who made no mistake.
The Eagles piled on the pressure with Fabiano denying Pavlidis and Gianluca Prestianni before Pavlidis hit the post. The pressure paid off in the 76th minute when Luuk Brouwers’ shocking pass went straight to Aursnes who slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
Marco Silva’s side sealed the deal in the 85th minute when Dodi Lukebakio showed his speed, leaving two defenders in his wake before surging into the box and laying the ball to Prestianni who couldn't miss.
The Eagles sit top of the Europa League after three games played, scoring 10 goals with two conceded. The Portuguese club have a fantastic chance to win the competition.
