Benfica vs. Barcelona: Halftime Score 0-1, Alexis puts Barca in front

Barcelona did what the always do at the start of a match, control the ball. For six minutes they passed it around and yet Benfica had the best chance after a rare giveaway allowed the Portuguese side to break and force a somewhat lucky save from Victor Valdés. Then Barca scored...of course.

After some clever passing, Lionel Messi made a break right on the right edge of the box and sent a low cross that Alexis Sánchez redirected in to the goal from about 2 yards out. It was classic Barcelona, quick passing that picked apart the Benfica defense ending with a through ball to Messi who makes a great play. Making the incredibly difficult look so easy, such genius.

When Benfica was able to get forward, they looked dangerous forcing a couple great saves from Valdés. Of course the problem was, they couldn’t get enough of the ball.

It could have been worse for the home side if not for goalkeeper Artur who made a fantastic fingertip save on a shot from Messi, forcing the ball just wide of the post. Alexis also had a great chance minutes later, but sent his shot high over the crossbar.

Fun halftime trivia for you, Alexis’ goal was the first one ever scored by a Barcelona palyer at Benfica’s Estadio da Luz.