LISBON, April 28 -- In the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semifinal, Benfica defeated Braga with the score 2-1.

For the first time in history, two Portuguese teams faced themselves in a UEFA competition. With no chances in the Portuguese championship and after losing the Portuguese Cup semifinal to Porto, Benfica's chance to save the season is the UEFA Europa League. For Braga it was the first time the team reached a European semifinal.

After a tense first part, in the fourth minute of the second half, the defender Jardel scored. In a crossing from the right, Cardoso's header hit the post and in the rebound Brazilian player Jardel shot the first goal of the match. Three minutes later, after a free kick another Braga's Brazilian player Vandinho scored the equalizer with a header.

In the 59th minute, Paraguayan player Cardozo scored the second goal, in a free kick five meters out of the box.

Benfica had more ball possession and better opportunities to score more goals, but the team's players failed the final kick. After two balls hit the post, the 2-1 advantage seemed short for the strong second part Benfica played.

【体坛英语资讯：Benfica defeat Braga 2-1 at UEFA Europa League semi first leg】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Julia Roberts designs a first in Armani bracelet

★ 体坛英语资讯：China beat Bullets in the last of Basketball Series

★ 体坛英语资讯：Hosts hopes up in the air at World Cup

★ 娱乐英语资讯：French model-turned First Ladys nude photo on sale

★ 体坛英语资讯：Liverpool co-owner Gillett reveals death threats

★ 体坛英语资讯：James throws up more bricks, Celtics win 89-73

★ 体坛英语资讯：Hurdler Liu to skip Golden League for Games

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Stars at the 18th annual Courage in Journalism awards

★ 体坛英语资讯：Brazil does not need a number nine, says Dunga

★ 体坛英语资讯：Bitter battles about the rights to athletes