Champions League: Chelsea 2-1 (agg 3-1) Benfica

April 05, 2012 • 0 • min read

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Chelsea reached the Champions League semi-finals after unconvincingly eliminating 10-man Benfica with a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.

Raul Meireles runs past Benfica goalkeeper Artur after scoring the winner for Chelsea

Photo: Reuters

After winning 1-0 in Lisbon last week, Chelsea's task looked all more simple after Frank Lampard's 21st-minute penalty was followed up by Maxi Pereira's 40th minute red card for two bookable offenses.

However, Benfica attacked after the break and set up a nervy ending when Javi García nodded home the equaliser in the 85th minute.

Another goal would have sent Benfica through on away goals but Raul Meireles netted in stoppage time to settle proceedings and set up a semi-final encounter with defending champions Barcelona.

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