Europa League

[monks data]

Europa League | Quarter-Finals

Apr 3, 2014 at 8.05pm UK

AZ AZ Alkmaar
0-1
Benfica

FT(HT: 0-0)

Salvio (48')

Match Report

Football

Eduardo Salvio fires Benfica to first-leg victory

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 03 April 2014

Eduardo Salvio's goal is enough for Benfica to edge past AZ Alkmaar 1-0 in their Europa League quarter-final first-leg clash.

Benfica have defeated AZ Alkmaar 1-0 in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash courtesy of Eduardo Salvio's second-half goal.

Alkmaar had two chances in the space of three second-half minutes to take the lead. The first opportunity fell to Nemanja Gudelj, who picked up a pass inside the box before seeing his resulting effort kept out by Artur.

AZ Alkmaar's US forward Aron Johannsson (R) and Paraguayan midfielder Celso Ortiz (L) vie for the ball with Benfica Lisbon´s Brazilian forward Rodrigo during the the UEFA Europa League match on April 3, 2014 © Getty Images

Steven Berghuis was also denied by the keeper following his individual effort, culminating in a strike on goal which the Brazilian managed to keep out.

The home side were made to pay for their missed opportunities shortly after the restart thanks to Salvio, with the striker finding the back of the net after a rebound fell kindly to his feet.

Benfica's Maxi Pereira (L) and Guilherme Siqueira celebrate after their teammate scored a goal during the UEFA Europa League Quarter final first leg football match against AZ Alkmaar on April 3, 2014 © Getty Images