The Champions League key in the hands of the Maestro

Exactly 11 years ago, Benfica kicked off the 2007/08 season, in a Champions League environment. In the home match against FC Copenhagen, Rui Costa, with two stunners, guaranteed the lead (2-1) for the second leg of the 3rd qualifying round.

It was on August 14, 2007, (Tuesday) that more than 55 mil spectators colored the stands of the Estádio da Luz to watch the first official encounter of the reds in 2007/08.

25 minutes. Cardozo recovered the ball in the offensive midfield and Rui Costa delivered a strong right-footed shot, that gave no chance to Christiansen.

The teams would go to the break with a draw (1-1), after a goal from Hutchinson (35’).

Five minutes away from the final whistle (85’), the pairing Cardozo-Rui Costa worked again. After an excellent work, the Paraguayan forward passed the ball for another long-range shot from the Maestro, who completed his brace.

It was secured the lead (2-1) over FC Copenhagen from Stale Solbakken, a goal-difference that would be strengthened in Denmark, already with José Antonio Camacho as head coach, with a goal from the Greek Katsouranis (0-1).

Benfica would integrate the group D of the Champions League group stage, together with Milan, Celtic and Shakhtar Donetsk.

GAME SHEET

1st LEG | 3rd QUALIFYING ROUND OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

SL Benfica – FC Copenhagen, 2-1

Estádio da Luz, Lisbon.

Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary).

BENFICA

Starting XI: Quim; Luís Filipe, Luisão (37’ Freddy Adu), David Luiz and Léo; Petit, Katsouranis, Nuno Assis (74’ Nuno Gomes) and Rui Costa; Óscar Cardozo and Gonzalo Bergessio (INT Fábio Coentrão).

Substitutes: Butt, Miguelito, Nélson, Freddy Adu, Fábio Coentrão, Mantorras and Nuno Gomes.

Coach: Fernando Santos.

FC COPENHAGEN

Starting XI: Christiansen; Kvist, Gravgaard, Hangeland and Jensen; Silberbauer, Norregard (88’ Sionko), Würtz and Hutchinson; Gronkjaer and Allbäck (78’ Nordstrand).

Substitutes: Coe, Antonsson, Neestrup, Wendt, Sionko, Ailton and Nordstrand.

Coach: Stale Solbakken.

Goals: Rui Costa (25' and 85'), Hutchinson (35').

Text: Filipa Fernandes Garcia

Pics: Archive / SL Benfica