Mansion Sports – Bayer Leverkusen secured their first win of the UEFA Champions League campaign after defeating Benfica 1-0 in Lisbon. 

The decisive moment came from Patrik Schick, who scored the only goal of the match shortly after coming off the bench.

The Czech striker capitalized on a defensive lapse from the Benfica backline, punishing their failure to clear the ball effectively. 

This victory offered much-needed relief for Leverkusen, who had yet to earn three points prior to this game, while it marked a continuing nightmare for Benfica, who have now suffered four consecutive defeats in as many matches.

The match highlighted the contrast between efficiency and missed opportunities—Leverkusen were clinical with limited chances, while Benfica wasted several golden opportunities to score.

Poor Form Shadowed Both Teams Ahead of Kickoff

The encounter between Benfica and Leverkusen brought together two sides struggling for form in European competition. 

Neither team had secured a victory in their previous three group fixtures, with Benfica in an even worse position, having failed to collect a single point.

Leverkusen entered the match with two draws and one defeat, the latter coming at the hands of defending champions PSG. 

Both teams shared the same ambition—to earn their first win and revive their standing in the group stage.

From the opening whistle, Leverkusen appeared more composed in possession. Ibrahima Maza tested Benfica’s defense with an early strike, while Dodi Lukebakio nearly found the net with a curling effort that struck the post.

Benfica Waste Numerous Golden Opportunities

As the first half neared its conclusion, Benfica began to dominate proceedings. The hosts increased their attacking intensity and created several dangerous chances, yet luck and precision deserted them.

Nicolas Otamendi came close to breaking the deadlock with a powerful header that rattled the crossbar. Moments later, Ernest Poku found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper but sent his effort narrowly wide of the target.

Just before halftime, Benfica squandered two more promising opportunities. Vangelis Pavlidis and Lukebakio both found themselves in favorable shooting positions inside the box, but neither could convert, leaving the scoreline unchanged heading into the break.

Benfica’s Second-Half Dominance Fails to Produce a Goal

In the second half, Benfica continued to press relentlessly. A clear opportunity arose almost immediately after the restart when Vangelis Pavlidis broke free from his marker, but Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken reacted swiftly to intercept the ball at his feet.

Pavlidis remained the most threatening player for the hosts, coming close again with a well-placed curling effort that narrowly missed the far post. 

Despite their territorial control and attacking momentum, Benfica’s finishing continued to let them down.

Patrik Schick’s Late Strike Seals Leverkusen’s Victory

While Benfica pressed high in search of a breakthrough, Leverkusen struck decisively on the counter. 

The visitors scored with their very first shot on target of the match. Substituted on moments earlier, Patrik Schick made an immediate impact.

His initial attempt was parried by Anatoliy Trubin, but a poor clearance from Samuel Dahl gifted Schick a second chance, which he headed calmly into the empty net.

Following the goal, Leverkusen shifted their focus to defense, protecting their narrow lead with disciplined organization. 

Alejandro Grimaldo attempted to rescue Benfica with one of his trademark free-kicks, but his shot failed to trouble Flekken.

When the final whistle sounded, Benfica were left frustrated after another wasteful performance, while Leverkusen celebrated their first Champions League victory of the season.

Match Statistics: Benfica vs Bayer Leverkusen

Benfica dominated both possession and opportunities but failed to convert their chances, allowing Leverkusen’s efficiency and composure to secure a vital away victory.