The road to Europe is proving to be difficult for Benfica.[expander_maker id=”1″ ] They suffered a 0-2 defeat at home to Inter Milan (with goals from Barella and Lukaku, penalty), leaving a heavy result to overturn in the second leg in a week’s time in Milan. The dream of reaching the semi-finals seems more distant now.

Benfica started the game nervously, trying to take control of the possession but failing to make enough passes. The play was concentrated in midfield, with natural prominence given to players like Florentino on the Benfica side and Barella on the Italian side. When it came to chances on goal, only one was created in the first half, by Rafa at the 16-minute mark.

A goalless draw at halftime was acceptable but penalized a Benfica team that lacked aggression and clarity with the ball. Inter felt comfortable, even when they didn’t have the ball.

In the second half, Benfica tried to increase the tempo, but Inter was able to put more players in the Benfica area, exploiting the spaces that the red defensive line conceded, attacking with intelligence. Barella opened the scoring by heading home after a cross by Bastoni.

Roger Schmidt was slow to react and make substitutions, but he managed to control the game in stages without creating practical results.

Inter sealed the night by scoring a penalty through Lukaku, punishing João Mário’s handball (questionable) after a cross by Dumfries.

In the last minute of the game, Gonçalo Ramos had a chance to reduce the deficit with a pass from David Neres, but Onana prevented the goal.

Inter had not won in their last six games; they were fortunate in Lisbon. Benfica was disappointing but has 90 minutes to try to rectify the mistake in Milan on the 19th.[/expander_maker]