Benfica cruised to a 2-0 victory over Club Brugge to take control of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Both goals came in the second half, with Joao Mario scoring from the penalty spot before David Neres doubled the lead.
The Portuguese who lost to Liverpool in the last eight last season will be expected to finish the job in Lisbon.
READ ALSO: Barcelona Vs Manchester United betting tips & odds
Brugge on the other hand must now overcome the deficit next month to advance to the last eight.
Benfica coach Roger Schmidt believes that they are halfway to finishing the tie.
“When we play the first leg away from home in a Champions League tie and win, it is always a good first step. We are halfway there,” he said during the post-match interview.
The loss of star midfielder Enzo Fernandez did not appear to have had a significant impact on the Portuguese side.
The Argentine World Cup winner was sold to Chelsea for a record fee of £120 million last month.
Benfica won their first European title in 1961, defeating Barcelona in the European Cup final. They successfully defended their title the following year, defeating Real Madrid in the final.
The 81 times Portuguese champions have competed in five more Champions League finals (1963, 1965, 1968, 1988, and 1990), but were unable to reclaim the title.
Their return leg picture with Club Brugge will take place on March 7th at the Estadio da Luz in Portugal.
