Benfica have defeated AZ Alkmaar 1-0 in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash courtesy of Eduardo Salvio's second-half goal.
Alkmaar had two chances in the space of three second-half minutes to take the lead. The first opportunity fell to Nemanja Gudelj, who picked up a pass inside the box before seeing his resulting effort kept out by Artur.
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Steven Berghuis was also denied by the keeper following his individual effort, culminating in a strike on goal which the Brazilian managed to keep out.
The home side were made to pay for their missed opportunities shortly after the restart thanks to Salvio, with the striker finding the back of the net after a rebound fell kindly to his feet.
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AZ pushed for an equaliser but were unable to find a way through, meaning that the Eagles takes a precious lead into the second leg.
Daniel Lewis
