Goncalo Ramos scored a brace to help Benfica produce one of the high-scoring football results of the midweek action in the Champions League. Rafa Silva dribbled past two players and sent a left-foot strike into the net in the 38th minute before Ramos scored on either side of the break. Joao Mario scored a penalty in the 71st minute, and substitute David Neres added a fifth six minutes later. Brugge’s late consolation goal came from Bjorn Meijer, who has now won only two games in 12 under Parker.
Benfica was in command from the start, with a two-goal lead from the previous match, and finally broke the deadlock when Ramos crossed from the left and Silva scored at the far post. Ramos expanded the lead in first-half stoppage time by beating several opponents and smashing the ball home from within the box. The in-form striker scored again just after halftime to become the youngest Portuguese player to score twice in a knockout stage match.
Mario added a fourth goal in the 71st minute after Abakar Sylla scythed down Gilberto, and Neres capped the scoring for the hosts from within the box, with VAR awarding the goal after an offside flag was raised. With a first-time strike that struck the top corner, Meijer scored a remarkable consolation goal for Brugge.
“It’s been difficult for me, but the players have been fantastic and have done everything they can to turn things around,” Club Brugge head coach Scott Parker said. “I understand why people are skeptical of (me); I’m not foolish enough to believe otherwise (think that). All I can say is that I’m working hard to turn this around and build a winning team. You’ve approached the wrong person.”
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