(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-12-05 14:13

Benfica players celebrate their victory over Shakhtar Donetsk after their Champions League Group D soccer match in Donetsk December 4, 2007. Benfica won the match 2-1. [Agencies]

Shakhtar Donetsk crashed out of Europe after two first-half goals from Oscar Cardozo gave Benfica a fine 2-1 win on Tuesday night.

Benfica keeper Quim is crestfallen after letting Shaktar back into the gameDespite making a confident start, Shakhtar found themselves behind after just six minutes when Cardozo struck and with 22 minutes gone the Paraguayan doubled Benfica's lead with a fine header.

Cristiano Lucarelli's penalty gave Shakhtar a lifeline before half-time, but they couldn't find a way through as Benfica sealed a UEFA Cup place.

Knowing a win could see them qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League, Shakhtar came flying out of the traps and a series of slick passes saw the ball played into Fernandinho on the edge of the area, but his curling shot was palmed away by Quim.

However minutes later Benfica took a shock lead as Mariusz Lewandowski's tackle came through to Cardozo and with the Shakhtar defence stranded, he rounded Andrei Pyatov and stroked the ball into the gaping net.

As Shakhtar pressed for an equaliser, Cardozo, who was full of confidence after the goal, tried his luck from 35 yards but the shot flashed just over.

The home side slowly began to take control once again and Jadson's teasing free-kick was flicked away by Marco Nelson with several Shakhtar players waiting.

However, once again Benfica counter-attacked in devastating fashion as Maxi Pereira broke down the right and his inch-perfect cross was met by Cardozo who headed home.

Eight minutes later Shakhtar halved the deficit when David Luiz needlessly pushed Lucarelli in the area, leaving the referee no option other than to award a penalty.

Lucarelli duly stepped up and drove the penalty past Quim's out-stretched foot and into the centre of the goal to send the home crowd into raptures.

Just before half-time Jadson should have brought Shakhtar level when he was found in space in the area, but he fired the shot straight at Quim.

The second half began as the first had ended with Shakhtar desperately searching for an equaliser and Lucarelli had a shot blocked before substitute Tomas Hubschman fired a wild long-range effort over.

Minutes later Ilsinho skilfully brought the ball down in space inside the box, but could only slice his shot wide as Shakhtar grew more desperate.

Much to the frustration of the Shakhtar fans and players alike, Benfica were beginning to control possession with veteran playmaker Rui Costa orchestrating.

With time ticking away Shakhtar threw more men forward and Razvan Rat's corner fell to Darijo Srna, but he lashed the ball wide.

Nine minutes from time, Willian crossed from the right and Srna ghosted in at the far post only to see his shot agonisingly hit the outside of the post.

Late on Quim's poor punch fell to Hubschman and he fired over as Shakhtar failed to find a way back into the game.

 

 

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