Benfica defeats Nice 2-0, advances to Champions League playoffs

LISBON: Benfica advanced to the playoff stage of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers after defeating Nice 2-0 at the Estadio da Luz, completing a 4-0 aggregate victory in the third qualifying round.

The Portuguese team scored twice in the first half, gaining a significant advantage early in the match. Benfica controlled possession throughout the game and maintained a strong defensive performance, preventing Nice from creating clear scoring opportunities.

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Benfica’s first goal came in the 18^th minute through Fredrik Aursnes. Nine minutes later, Andreas Schjelderup doubled the lead. Both goals came from well-executed team moves that broke down the French defense.

Nice faced difficulties throughout both legs, failing to score a goal or make sustained offensive threats. Their defensive organisation was tested regularly, but they could not match Benfica’s intensity.

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The result continues Benfica’s recent pattern of strong performances in European qualifiers. Despite narrowly missing out on the domestic league title last season to Sporting CP, the team is now focused on securing their place in this season’s Champions League group stage.

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On the other hand, Nice extended their long wait for Champions League group stage qualification to more than six decades. The French club now turns its attention to domestic completions and future European qualification attempts.

Benfica’s head coach Bruno Lage made tactical changes late in the match to protect the lead and manage the game tempo.

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The club will now prepare for the next qualifying round, where they will face tougher opposition in the quest to reach the group phase.