Sport Lisboa e Benfica opened their 2024–25 UEFA Champions League group-stage campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over FK Crvena Zvezda on Matchday 1.
Played on 19 September 2024, the clash in Belgrade saw the Portuguese side claim all three points away from home, an important early result in a group where every match is likely to prove decisive. Benfica did enough to outscore Crvena Zvezda, but the narrow margin underlined how competitive the contest was across the ninety minutes.
Crvena Zvezda, backed by a traditionally intense home atmosphere, found a way through to score once, keeping themselves in the match and ensuring Benfica could never relax. The visitors, however, responded with two goals of their own to turn the balance in their favour and ultimately secure the win.
Detailed minute-by-minute events, including goal scorers, bookings and substitutions, were not made available in the official match data. As a result, specific names and timings of the decisive moments cannot be confirmed at this time. What is clear is that Benfica leave Serbia with a valuable away victory, while Crvena Zvezda are left to reflect on a missed opportunity to take at least a point from their opening fixture.
With this result, Benfica take an early step toward the knockout phase, while Crvena Zvezda face added pressure in their remaining group games. Both clubs will look ahead quickly as the Champions League schedule offers little time for recovery.
Further updates, including any later-confirmed key performers or tactical details, will be reflected on the full match page on Ballaxy: full match report.
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