Brave Benfica hold favorites Barcelona

A resilient Benfica side held title contenders Barcelona to a goalless draw at home in the first-leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash on Tuesday.

كتب : Mohamed Sabe

الثلاثاء، 28 مارس 2006 - 23:10
Valdes saved face for Barca
A resilient Benfica side held title contenders Barcelona to a goalless draw at home in the first-leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash on Tuesday.

The draw, although in favor of Barcelona, leaves the identity of the team that will go through to the final four stage undetermined as the teams showcase in the second-leg at Nou Camp on April 5th.

Goalkeeper Marcelo Moretto was the hero for Benfica as he denied chances from Deco, Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho in the first-half.

Despite Barcelona dominating possession after the break, Benfica proved match for the Catalans as they threatened goalkeeper Victor Valdes on numerous occasions.

Valdes produced two decisive saves late in the game from effervescent substitute Fabrizio Miccoli and Simao.