SL Benfica secured a 2-1 first-leg win over Olympique de Marseille in their UEFA Europa League quarterfinal tie on Thursday night at the Estádio da Luz.
Both teams had four shots in the first 45 minutes, but Benfica had two on target, one of which resulted in a goal courtesy of Rafa Silva in the 16th minute. Marseille would dig themselves into a deeper hole in the second half coming out of the dressing room.
The Portuguese team had six total shots, and eventually, former Paris Saint-Germain star Ángel Di María's goal in the 52nd minute allowed Benfica to take a 2-0 lead.
OM did show fight as the team had eight total shots in the second half and eventually found the back of the net thanks to a goal from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 67th minute.
Despite the loss, Marseille can still turn the situation around next Thursday at home as they only face a 2-1 aggregate deficit. Les Phocéens will not play this weekend and have a whole week to prepare for the second leg against Benfica.
Benfica will play on Sunday against Moreirense before they head to the Stade Vélodrome to face Marseille with a ticket to the Europa League semifinal on the line. With As Águias only holding a one-goal advantage, the remaining 90 minutes should make for a thrilling encounter.
