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Celtic earned themselves three Champions League points as they defeated Benfica to avenge their late loss to Benfica two weeks ago. Celtic won 1-0 thanks to McGeady, but the game was overshadowed as Gilles Augustin Binya was sent off for a terrible tackle.
Celtic had their early chances, Kennedy somehow heading wide when found free in the box by a Stephen McManus free kick, while the two Scotts, Brown and McDonald, both forced good low saves by Quim in the Benfica goal.
Late on in the first half, the sides seem to settle for a goalless scoreline at the break. But McGeady - who was impressive throughout the match with his direct running and inventive wingplay - had other ideas, cutting inside after a dummy run from Naylor and sending a low drive in via a deflection off the helpless Luisao.
The second half was going to be tough for Celtic. Both sides were attacking with intent - Benfica out of necessity and Celtic spurred on by their inimitable home support - and the visitors had the better chances. Cardozo should have levelled when he missed a free header and sent it inches wide with his shoulder, Naylor cleareing off the line from the same man after he headed a corner sent near post by the evergreen Rui Costa, but the hosts had a few opportunities too, notable through Brown and McDonald, while McGeady posed Luis Felipe endless problems down the left.
Binya's moment of madness killed the last five minutes off and was sent off with five minutes remaining for quite deliberately trying to injure Scott Brown.
Written by majicka
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