WARSAW, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Benfica are close to advancing into the UEFA Champions League group stage after sealing a 2-0 victory over Dynamo Kyiv in the first leg of their play-off in Lodz, Poland on Wednesday.
The visitors attacked from the very beginning and waited just nine minutes for a reward, when Gilberto put them in front with a powerful strike into the top corner. Dynamo responded thanks to Viktor Tsygankov, whose effort forced Odiseas Vlachodimos into a smart save.
Roger Schmidt's side had dominance in possession, while the Ukrainian side tried fast counterattacks. In the 24th minute, Joao Mario might have doubled the lead, but he missed the target.
Goncalo Ramos turned out to be more effective. Eight minutes before the break, the 21-year-old striker, who had scored a hat-trick in the previous round, clipped the ball home after a surprising turn from Neres.
In the second half, Benfica controled the game to be more focused on defense. Dynamo, loudly supported by their fans, tried until the end but couldn't turn their good performance into a goal.
Thanks to the victory, Schmidt's side are just one step away from the Champions League group stage. The second leg is scheduled for August 23. ■
