Minnows Astana have taken a 2-1 lead into the break of their Champions League group encounter against two-time winners Benfica.
The team from Kazakhstan went into the game in the knowledge that a defeat would end any hope that they had of qualifying for the knockout stages, while group leaders Benfica will progress with a victory.
Despite the half-time deficit that they found themselves with, the visiting Eagles started the encounter much the brighter of the two sides in the freezing conditions.
Renato Sanches, making his first start in the competition, shot over from 25 yards out, while Jardel and Goncalo Guedes both called home goalkeeper Nenad Eric into action.
However, for all their domination, Benfica's failure to convert their chances was duly punished in the 19th minute. Moments before Patrick Twumasi's first touch had let him down when well placed, but on this occasion Astana's Ghanaian attacker kept his composure to head Junior Kabananga's cross from the left flank beyond a helpless Julio Cesar in the away side's goal.
With the deadlock broken, Astana started to gain a grip on proceedings and they went on to add a second goal in the 31st minute. Foxi Kethevoama was the creator as his whipped free kick found Marin Anicic, who diverted the ball inside the far corner of the net via his back. It was the Bosnian defender's first competitive goal in over three years.
Now seemingly in control, Astana were then pegged back five minutes before the break. Jonas crossed a bouncing ball for Raul Jimenez, who got ahead of his marker to power a header inside Eric's near post.
Liam Apicella
