Benfica proved to be true Champions League menaces after a statement 5-1 win over Club Brugge (7-1 on aggregate) saw them waltz into the quarter-finals.
Things could not have gotten off to a better start for Benfica when Joao Mario opened the scoring with a sublime backheel finish after one minute, but the goal was ruled offside.
Meanwhile, Tajon Buchanan caused problems at the other end as the Belgian club looked to cut the deficit in half, but the hosts’ dominance was too much in the end.
Rafa Silva opened the scoring after he received the ball on the counter-attack, controlled it in the box, created space and curled home for 1-0.
Minutes later, Gonçalo Ramos was the next to dance between the visiting defence before doubling the lead.
Benfica’s momentum didn’t slow in the second half, while Brugge were stuck for answers. Ramos secured a brace before Mario made the most of his chance from the penalty spot for 4-0.
David Neres then came off the bench and ensured it was a night of misery for Brugge with a fifth for the hosts. Bjorn Meijer did, however, score a brilliant trivela from the top of the box in consolation for the visitors.