Benfica shatter Fenerbahçe's Champions League hopes

ANKARA

Portuguese football giants Benfica eliminated Turkey's Fenerbahçe in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round despite the 1-1 draw in Istanbul late Aug. 14.

Visitors took the lead in the 26th minute at Ülker Stadium as Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes, 19, found the net by a close range shot.

Near the end of the first half, Fenerbahce scored the equalizer. Home team midfielder Alper Potuk's header beat Benfica goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos.

This goal encouraged Fenerbahce but the Istanbul side was unable to score any goal in the second half.

So securing the draw in the second leg, Benfica reached Champions League playoffs since the Portuguese side won the first leg 1-0 in Lisbon last week.

Benfica will face the Greek club PAOK in the next round.