Portuguese giants, Benfica moved to the top of the UEFA Europa League standings after securing a 4-1 victory over Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus on Thursday.
Benfica took the lead in the 14th minute when Fredrik Aursnes broke through the hosts’ defence before delivering a cross towards Claudio Echeverri.
His header deflected off Loïc Nego and went into the net.
Omonia responded before half-time, drawing level in the 42nd minute through Andronikos Kakoulis.
Jaden Montnor produced an impressive piece of play to get past Alexander Bah before setting up Kakoulis, who headed home from close range.
Benfica regained the advantage four minutes into the second half.
Bah connected with Echeverri’s cross, but goalkeeper Fabiano Freitas denied him.
The rebound fell to Vangelis Pavlidis, who finished from close range to restore the visitors’ lead.
The Portuguese side continued to dominate as Fabiano made further saves to keep out attempts from Pavlidis and Gianluca Prestianni.
Pavlidis also struck the post as Benfica pressed for a third goal.
Their persistence paid off in the 76th minute when Aursnes capitalised on a poor pass from Luuk Brouwers and calmly fired into the bottom corner to extend Benfica’s lead.
Benfica completed the scoring five minutes from time after Dodi Lukebakio raced past two defenders and entered the penalty area before squaring the ball for Prestianni, who finished from close range.
The victory extended Benfica’s perfect start to the competition, leaving them top of the Europa League table after three matches.
They have scored 10 goals and conceded two, strengthening their position in the early stages of the campaign.
