Ajax vs Benfica: Mourinho's side secure first UCL win

A very early and a late goal helped Jose Mourinho's Benfica secure a crucial 2-0 win against Ajax, their first victory after five UCL league phase games.

Benfica seized early control, getting off the mark in the 6th minute through Samuel Dahl. From there, the Portuguese side largely sat back and invited pressure. They sealed the victory at the death when Leandro Barreiro slotted home in the 90th minute after a rapid counter-attack.

Benfica had a bright start and got the opener just 6 minutes in. The goal came through a corner, which dropped to Dahl, and he unleashed a stunning strike into the roof of the net. 

From then on, Benfica were content to remain compact, defend their box, and rely on quick transitions. Throughout the rest of the first half, Ajax dominated possession, yet managed only a few attempts and little penetration against a disciplined defence.

In the second half, Ajax pressed harder and made substitutions to try and force the issue but failed to breach the Portuguese side's back line. 

In the 90th minute, a number of loose passes in midfield allowed Benfica to counter; Barreiro ran clear and slotted the ball past the keeper to seal it 2-0. The timing of that goal left Ajax no time to respond, and Benfica held firm under pressure to claim the points.