Getafe secured a 2-1 away win over 10-man Benfica in the first-leg of the last 16 of the Uefa Cup.

Cardozo sees red as Benfica suffer home defeat

Getafe's debut season in European football continues to go from strength to strength as they secured a 2-1 away win over 10-man Benfica in the first-leg of the last 16 of the Uefa Cup. The game began in explosive style at the Estadio Da Luz as Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo was given his marching orders by referee Grzegorz Gilewski after only nine minutes following a rough challenge on Getafe defender David Belenguer. And on 25 minutes Getafe made their numerical advantage count as Ruben De la Red, who scored his side's second-leg goal against AEK Athens in the last round, hit a deflected effort past Benfica goalkeeper Joaquim Quim from 20 yards. However, Benfica - who reached the quarter-finals of this competition last term - continued to make the game a contest as Rui Costa and Christian Rodriguez had efforts at goal. Getafe, though, looked the stronger side and after the interval Pablo Hernandez was on hand to net a second for the 10th-placed La Liga outfit. Benfica were marking their 300th game in Uefa competitions and they had also spoken before the game of their desire to put on a positive display for their coach Jose Camacho, who has spent a recent period on compassionate leave following the death of his father. And this desire showed on 76 minutes as substitute Pedro Mantorras hit the back of the net with what could prove to be a crucial goal for Benfica ahead of their trip to Spain on 13th March.