Europa League

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Europa League | Round-Of-16

Mar 20, 2014 at 6pm UK

Benfica
2-2
Spurs Tottenham Hotspur

Garay (34'), Lima (90')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Chadli (78', 79')

Half-Time Report: Benfica's Ezequiel Garay goal dents Tottenham Hotspur's hopes

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 20 March 2014

Tottenham Hotspur end the first half of their crucial last-16 tie against Benfica 4-1 down on aggregate after conceding a goal to Ezequiel Garay.

Tottenham Hotspur have a mountain to climb as they close the first half of their last-16 second leg against Benfica in the Europa League one goal down.

Benfica, who already had a 3-1 advantage following the first leg, started off the clash on the front foot, with Eduardo Salvio making an early impact.

After a bursting run, Salvio was able to get past Danny Rose and launch a low cross into the box, which forced Sandro, who was placed at centre-back, to clear the danger.

The first chance of the opening half came for the home side when Luisao, who scored two goals in the first leg, latched on to the end of a header in the box to nudge the ball into the back of the net, but his effort flew over the bar.

Minutes later, the ball fell to Roberto Soldado after a corner was deflected. Despite having plenty of space, the Spaniard unleashed his shot into the ground and wide of the post.

The deadlock was eventually broken, but it caused further damage for Tottenham, as Ezequiel Garay found the end of a cross into the box to head the ball into the back of the net, leaving the match 4-1 on aggregate in their favour at half time.