BELGRADE, Serbia – Benfica secured a 2-1 victory against Red Star Belgrade in their Champions League match on Thursday, thanks to a fortunate goal from winger Kerem Akturkoglu and a remarkable free-kick by Orkun Kokcu.
Akturkoglu put Benfica ahead in the ninth minute by finishing from close range after connecting with a cross at the far post. Kokcu extended the lead just before the half-hour mark with a well-executed free-kick from approximately 25 meters, which curled into the top right corner of the net.
Red Star managed to pull one back when Felicio Milson scored from close range four minutes before the end of regulation, but they were unable to net an equalizer.