getafe claim benfica scalp published: thursday 6 march 2008, 23.55cet sl benfica 1-2 getafe cf the spanish side's fairy-tale first season in european competition continued with a win at ten-man benfica.
getafe cf continued their sensational first season in european competition with a 2-1 win at ten-man sl benfica.
sending off the home side had óscar cardozo sent off after only nine minutes for swinging an arm at away defender belenguer and then getafe scored a goal in each half through rubén de la red and pablo hernández to take a commanding two-goal lead. however, mantorras pulled one back for benfica to give them a fighting chance ahead of next wednesday's second leg in spain.
first chances the game had not settled down before benfica were reduced to ten men as cardozo saw red after fouling belenguer. however, the hosts were the first to threaten when rui costa tested óscar ustari with a curling free-kick from just outside the area. getafe hit straight back when some good link-up play between esteban granero and pablo hernández allowed the latter space in the box to draw a great diving save out of quim.
away goals a period of sustained pressure from the visitors followed, which led to the breakthrough in the 25th minute. de la red controlled the ball on the edge of the area, created space for himself and fired in a shot that took a slight deflection on its way into the net. getafe looked to finish the game off in the second half and doubled their lead with 25 minutes to go. scorer turned provider as de la red played in pablo hernández, who controlled the ball on the left of the area before curling in a shot from a tight angle.
late reply benfica's reaction was instant this time and ustari was a spectator as cristián rodríguez hammered a shot on to the bar from close range minutes after the goal. then, having only been on the pitch 14 minutes, mantorras gave the hosts a lifeline with a stunning long-range shot that flew into the bottom of the net. javier casquero responded immediately for the spanish side but his clever lob sailed just wide of the goal.
