Benfica overcome BATE

Benfica picked up three points from their first Group I match following a 2-0 win over BATE Borisov.

Gomes and Cardozo strike in 2-0 win

Benfica picked up three points from their first Group I match following a 2-0 victory over BATE Borisov. BATE of Belarus made it to the group phase of the UEFA Champions League last season but failed to do the same this term after being knocked out in qualifying. They faced a daunting trip to Portugal for their Europa League opener and were unable to come away with anything following a two-goal blitz by Benfica just before half-time. Nuno Gomes opened the scoring for Benfica in the 36th minute and Oscar Cardozo grabbed the second four minutes later. There were no more goals in the second period as Benfica withstood BATE's efforts to get back into the game.