UCL: Benfica March Past Brugge To 2-0 Win In First Leg

Benfica are in pole position to progress to the quarterfinals of the Champions League after securing a 2-0 victory over Club Brugge in Belgium in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday.

The Portuguese league leaders took control of the game in the second half with Joao Mario opening the scoring from the penalty spot six minutes after the restart, and substitute David Neres adding another goal late on.

Benfica, who lost to Liverpool in the last eight last season, are expected to seal the deal when the sides meet for the second leg in Lisbon on March 7.

Roger Schmidt's team have lost just once in their domestic league this season and topped their Champions League group ahead of Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus. They have not been seriously affected by the loss of Enzo Fernandez, the Argentine World Cup winner who was sold to Chelsea for 121 million euros ($132m) last month.

The visitors had opportunities to take the lead in the first half, with Antonio Silva missing a great chance from close range, and Rafa Silva hitting the post. Meanwhile, Club Brugge had a goal disallowed for offside just before the break.

However, Benfica's breakthrough came shortly after the restart, with Portugal World Cup star Goncalo Ramos winning a penalty after being brought down in the area by Jack Hendry. Joao Mario converted the spot-kick with goalkeeper Simon Mignolet getting a touch onto the ball before it hit the underside of the crossbar and went in.

Neres and Goncalo Guedes replaced Rafa Silva and Ramos in the second half, and the two combined for the crucial second goal in the 88th minute. Guedes helped a ball towards Neres, who took advantage of a poor touch by Bjorn Meijer to score.

While Neres had another effort disallowed for offside in stoppage time, Benfica are now in the driving seat and have a strong chance of reaching the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Club Brugge have a mountain to climb in the return leg.