Benfica ease past Braga

Benfica have extended their winning run in the Primeira Liga to three games after claiming a 2-0 victory over Braga this evening.

The visitors took the lead in the third minute when Pizzi's low strike was cleared off the line but struck goalkeeper Stanislav Kritsyuk and ended up in the back of the net.

Eight minutes later the Aguias doubled their tally for the evening as Lisandro Lopez controlled a header back into the box after Braga had failed to clear a set piece, before placing a low effort into the bottom corner.

Braga came close to a quick response as Ahmed Hassan hit the post and from the rebound Rafa was denied by Julio Cesar.

The hosts continued to press for an equaliser and Nikola Stojilijkovic and Hassan both fired efforts wide of the target.

After the break, Ricardo Ferreira's volley was saved by Cesar, before Kritsyuk prevented Nicolas Gaitan from adding a third for Benfica.

However, there would be no further goals in the closing stages, as Benfica held on to move above their opponents and up to third in the table to keep the pressure on Sporting Lisbon and Porto.