Julian Weigl of SL Benfica (L ) celebrates with Joao Mario after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League play-off first leg football match between SL Benfica and PSV Eindhoven at the Luz stadium in Lisbon
Benfica have taken a step towards qualifying for the UEFA Champions League after a 2-1 first leg win over PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their playoff.
First-half goals from Rafa Silva and Julian Weigl set up the win for the Portuguese runners-up, although PSV pulled one back from Cody Gakpo to narrow the aggregate ahead of the second leg in Eindhoven.
Benfica midfielder Joao Mario said: “It was important to win today, we know that away goals no longer count.
“We started well, managed to extend the lead to 2-0, unfortunately, we conceded a goal.
“But the team should be congratulated because they worked hard and played a good game.”
Benfica, who were Europa League runners-up in 2013 and 2014, have made the Champions League every season over the past decade.
“We have the second leg and we are confident,” Joao Mario added. “We will do everything to be in the Champions League.”
Elsewhere, Swiss outfit Young Boys accounted for Ferencvaros 3-2 in Bern after the Hungarian champions had taken an early lead.
Swedish champions Malmo won 2-0 over Bulgarian club Ludogorets, with goals either side of half-time.
