Club Brugge have confirmed the sacking of their head coach, Scott Parker, after less than three months in the role – following their Champions League elimination at the hands of SL Benfica. The Belgian side trailed by two goals as they headed to Lisbon, but a strong performance from Roger Schmidt’s Benfica side saw Brugge succumb to a 7-1 aggregate defeat.
SLB: Vlachodimos; Grimaldo, Otamendi, A. Silva, Bah; Chiquinho, Florentino; Aursnes, R. Silva, J. Mario; Ramos
BRU: Mignolet; Sylla, Mechele, Mata; Meijer, Vanaken, Nielsen, Buchanan, Sowah; Lang, Yaremchuk
Benfica had the ball in the back of the next with just a minute played, as Joao Mario tipped a ball from Alexander Bah into the back of the net – but a VAR check found Gonçalo Ramos to be offside in the build-up and the goal was disallowed!
The Eagles eventually took the lead on the night in the 38th minute, finishing off a brilliant counterattack that saw Ramos cross the ball in from the left to find Rafa, who slotted home into the far corner to add to his side’s advantage.
Gonçalo Ramos found a second for Benfica on the stroke of half-time, taking a few strides into the box before firing low and hard past Simon Mignolet to double the Portuguese side’s lead at the Estadio da Luz.
Ramos bagged another goal after the break – sending the aggregate score to 5-0 – after he diverted Grimaldo’s cross into the back netting to put the hosts in cruise control. This tie was pretty much wrapped up then and there – Brugge looked unlikely to score one, let alone the six they’d need to win!
Five became six for the hosts in the 71st minute, as Joao Mario converted from the penalty spot after Sylla’s rash challenge on Gilberto inside the area. Scott Parker’s side would have to climb Everest if they were to win this tie – they were now 4-0 down on the night!
David Neres slotted home yet another goal for Benfica, after a period of swift one-touch football allowed Neves to play in Neres – sending the ball into the far corner. The flag was raised, but a quick VAR check showed that the Brazilian was in fact onside, and the goal stood.
Bjorn Meijer found the back of the net for Club Brugge in the 87th minute, with a sensational strike that nestled beautifully into the top corner. The goal wouldn’t chance much for the Belgians in what would turn out to be Scott Parker’s last game in charge. The club have yet to announce his replacement.
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