Patrik Schick’s header sealed Bayer Leverkusen’s first Champions League win of the season as they punished wasteful Benfica 1-0 in Lisbon.
Patrik Schick came off the bench to score the decisive goal as Bayer Leverkusen claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Benfica in Lisbon. The result gave Kasper Hjulmand his first Champions League win as Leverkusen boss and ended their European winless run this season.
Benfica started brightly, dominating the opening exchanges and twice hitting the woodwork before halftime. Dodi Lukebakio’s early effort clipped the post, while captain Nicolas Otamendi saw his header rebound off the crossbar moments later. Despite their pressure, Jose Mourinho’s side could not find a way past Mark Flekken in the Leverkusen goal.
Leverkusen showed more purpose after the interval, and the introduction of Schick in the 57th minute changed the game. Just eight minutes later, the Czech striker pounced on a loose ball to head home after his initial shot was parried by Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.
The goal came against the run of play but highlighted Leverkusen’s efficiency compared to Benfica’s wastefulness. The hosts continued to push for an equaliser, with Vangelis Pavlidis missing a clear chance when he failed to round Flekken. Lukebakio also had two more attempts blocked as the German side held firm under late pressure.
Leverkusen’s defence, led by Jarell Quansah and Loic Badé, absorbed Benfica’s attacks with composure. Flekken, in particular, impressed with five key saves to earn his side a much-needed clean sheet.
Benfica’s failure to take their early chances proved costly. They ended the match with 21 shots to Leverkusen’s seven but lacked the finishing touch that Schick provided at the other end.
Schick’s goal, his first of the season, was a reminder of his clinical instincts in front of goal. Arthur and Alejandro Grimaldo also made crucial contributions in transitions, while Flekken’s calm display between the posts ensured Leverkusen’s slender lead stood until full-time.
For Mourinho, it was another frustrating night. His side’s buildup play and pressing were excellent, but their lack of precision in the final third left them rooted near the bottom of the Champions League standings. Only Ajax have a worse record than the Portuguese side.
Benfica controlled possession with 53%, created an xG of 1.62, and completed 530 passes, compared to Leverkusen’s 481. Yet efficiency made all the difference. Leverkusen needed just three shots on target to secure the win, while Benfica’s six attempts on target failed to find the net.
This was Leverkusen’s first victory over Portuguese opposition in 28 years, since their 2-0 win against Sporting CP in 1997. It also marked Hjulmand’s first success in European competition since taking charge.
Leverkusen return to Bundesliga action at home to Heidenheim on Saturday, November 8th, before travelling to Manchester City in the Champions League on November 25th.
Benfica, still without a point in Europe, will hope to rebound when they face Casa Pia in the Primeira Liga on Sunday before visiting struggling Ajax in their next European fixture.
