Silva and Di Maria fire Benfica into first-leg lead over Marseille

Benfica took a 2-1 lead in their UEFA Europa League quarter-final tie with Marseille, who are firmly in the contest thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goal.

Reigning Portuguese champions Benfica were in complete control of the tie when Angel Di Maria tucked home from close range in the 52nd minute of Thursday’s encounter at Estadio da Luz.

Rafa Silva had put Benfica ahead early on, slotting in at the culmination of a slick team move.

Di Maria’s goal was equally as well worked, though Casper Tengstedt’s wild miss soon after handed Marseille a reprieve.

Aubameyang duly made Tengstedt pay for his profligacy, ensuring Marseille are well in with a chance heading into the second leg at Stade Velodrome.

Alexander Bah should have put Benfica ahead in the sixth minute, only for the defender to miskick from Di Maria’s inch-perfect cross.

Benfica had their goal in the 16th minute – Silva prodding beyond Pau Lopez after fine combination play between David Neres and Tengstedt.

Marseille enjoyed a bright start to the second half, but their resolve was further punctured when Di Maria side-footed home after linking up with Neres.

Tengstedt should have done better shortly after, yet the Dane failed to keep his cool in the area, lashing wide.

Marseille made their fortune count – Aubameyang bursting in behind Benfica’s lines and coolly picking out the bottom-right corner to leave the tie in the balance.

At 36 and 34 respectively, Di Maria and Aubameyang could be forgiven for slowing down, but both are enjoying wonderful campaigns.

Di Maria has now netted 16 times in all competitions for Benfica, while he was also hugely influential from a creative sense this time out. Aubameyang, on the other hand, is going through something of a revival at Marseille, and he now has 10 Europa League goals this season in as many appearances.

Di Maria wielded his influence from the right wing, and often interchanged with Rafa and Neres in a fluid attacking trio behind Tengstedt. The Argentine had 99 touches and three attempts at goal.

Benfica: Trubin 6, Bah 5, Silva 6, Otamendi 6, Aursnes 6, Neves 7, Florentino 6, Di Maria 8*, Rafa 7, Neres 8, Tengstedt 7. Subs: Joao Mario 6, Leonardo 6.

Marseille: Lopez 6, Mbemba 5, Gigot 6, Balerdi 6, Luis Henrique 6, Kondogbia 5, Veretout 6, Merlin 6, Harit 6, Aubameyang 7, Moumbagna 5. Subs: Ndiaye 7, Ounahi 6, Soglo 6.

6’ – CHANCE! Benfica 0-0 Marseille (Bah): A huge opportunity for Benfica! Following a short corner, a cross is put in from the right flank, with Bah stealing a march on his marker. But, despite having space, the defender can’t connect properly with his effort from close range, and Marseille’s defence recover to clear their lines. Lucky!

16’ – GOAL! Benfica 1-0 Marseille (Rafa): Benfica take the lead! Rafa Silva has got the opener! Just as Marseille had been settling into this tie, now they are behind. A slick bit of interplay between David Neres and Tengstedt sees the latter slide a neat pass into the path of Rafa who, after taking a touch, prods home at the end of a smart third-man run, sending the home fans into raptures. There’s a bit of a delay while VAR checks the goal, but it will stand!

52’ – GOAL! Benfica 2-0 Marseille (Di Maria): What a lovely goal, and the hosts are now two to the good! It’s that man Di Maria, who is on hand to tap home at the end of a fantastic move. The Argentine exchanged a quick one-two with Neres, whose cutback put it on a plate for the former Real Madrid and PSG star to finish from close range.

67’ – GOAL!!! Benfica 2-1 Marseille (Aubameyang): He. Doesn’t. Miss. That’s a fantastic goal from Aubameyang, and Marseille are right back in this! Ndiaye’s throughball finds its way through Benfica’s line, and Auba makes no mistake as he charges through, sets himself for a finish and duly slots home. He might be 34, but in those areas, he is still deadly. Game on!

73’ – CHANCE! Benfica 2-1 Marseille (Harit): Harit has his head in his hands after he volleys wide at the far post, having been picked out by a deep cross. Benfica are all over the place at the moment!

• Marseille have won only one of their 10 away European matches in Portugal, losing eight and drawing one.
• Benfica have now won the first leg of all six of their Europa League quarter-finals.