Analysis The numbers behind the result
Benfica's superior shot volume and efficiency seals away win
Benfica's 3-1 victory was justified by their dominance in chance creation, outshooting Aarhus 8-3 on target and 7-1 off target. Aarhus failed to test Benfica's goalkeeper enough, with only three on-target efforts to Benfica's eight. The Portuguese side's 58% possession translated into superior attacking output, despite Aarhus' defensive efforts that yielded four blocked shots.
Gianluca Prestianni was decisive with two goals (19', 61'), while Rafa Silva's strike (55') extended Benfica's lead after Aarhus briefly threatened through Rasmus Carstensen's reply (60'). The hosts' two yellow cards reflected their struggle to contain Benfica's fluid attack. The key stat: Benfica's eight shots on target to Aarhus' three — clinical finishing from fewer overall shots masked the gulf in quality.