Late strike gives Benfica 1 - 0 win

A late goal by Paraguay striker Oscar Cardozo gave Benfica a 1-0 win over Celtic on Wednesday to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Benfica, who had lost their two previous matches on Group D, are now level with Celtic on three points each, both three points behind AC Milan and Shakhtar Donetsk whom the Italian side beat 4-1 at home.

The Portuguese team dominated throughout but Cardozo miscued a shot in the 23rd minute and hit the Celtic woodwork twice in the space of three minutes before finally finding the net.

Cardozo had his reward three minutes from time when Argentine substitute Angel Di Maria chipped the ball over the top for the Paraguayan to chest down and finish past goalkeeper Artur Boruc from close range.

Boruc was in evidence with several saves to prevent Cardozo from opening the scoring earlier and also made a spectacular save from a header by Greek midfielder Konstantinos Katsouranis two minutes from the break.

Veteran playmaker Rui Costa, who celebrated his 50th appearance in the Champions League, narrowly failed to score with a shot after 52 minutes.

The best chance for Celtic came from midfielder Scott Brown after 38 minutes when he dribbled past three opponents but had his shot turned away for a corner by Benfica keeper Quim.