Sticky route for Toffees as classy Benfica cruise
EVERTON (0) vs BENFICA (2)
EVERTON’S hopes of progressing to the next phase of the Europa League suffered a setback as they were blitzed by Benfica for a second time in as many weeks.
David Moyes’ men were looking to avenge a 5-0 thrashing by the Portuguese side a fortnight ago, but were undone again as second half goals from Javier Saviola and Oscar Cardozo completed a comfortable win.
Benfica dominated from the off and almost took the lead towards the end of the first half when Ramieres’ header came off a post before keeper Tim Howard made a brilliant save to deny Saviola from the rebound.
But Saviola wasn’t to be denied and on 63 minutes he gave the visitors the lead, slotting home from 15 yards.
Cardozo then wrapped up the points for Benfica when adding a second 13 minutes later, leaving Everton clinging onto second in Group I.