Galatasaray's Umit Karan celebrates his goal against Benfica during their UEFA Cup soccer match in Lisbon …(Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Second-half goals from Emre Asik and Umit Karan Thursday led Galatasaray to a 2-0 away victory over Benfica in the UEFA Cup.
Galatasaray extended their lead at the top of UEFA Cup Group B to 6 points with a comfortable win at Benfica on Thursday night.
Asik gave Galatasaray the initiative six minutes into the second half after the Galatasaray defender fired in Lincoln's inswinging cross.
Karan, who had an effort turned away in the 62nd, added the second goal seven minutes later, striking Arda Turan's cross from the left past Benfica goalkeeper Quim.
Benfica coach Quique Flores wanted an improved performance from his club after scraping by Guimaraes in the Portuguese league at the weekend and was counting on the return of Argentine winger Angel Di Maria to lift his side.
Di Maria and striker Nuno Gomes had chances early on before Ayhan Akman finally went close for the Turks in the 43rd. Galatasaray, without four midfielders because of injury — including Turkish internationals Hasan Sas and Mehmet Topal — made the breakthrough, however.
Sanchez Flores also brought Argentine playmaker Pablo Aimar on in the 57th for his Benfica European debut.
Benfica, which sits second in the league, saw an injury time chance blocked by Galatasaray goalkeeper Morgan de Sanctis.
Galatasaray opened Group B with a win over Olympiakos, while Benfica drew 1-1 at
Hertha Berlin.
Group B Pld Pts
Galatasaray 2 6
Hertha 2 2
Metalist 1 1
Benfica 2 1
Olympiacos 1 0
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