Its Darwin, Darwin, Darwin in Europa League action

Benfica opened their Europa League campaign in Poland with a 4-2 victory over Lech Poznan as last seasons second place clubs in their respective leagues squared off. Benfica opened the scoring just eight minutes into the encounter as Pizzi converted from the penalty spot after a hand ball in the area by defender Tomasz Dejewski. Pizzi's opening goal was the first goal of the competition, thus enshrining the midfielder into the UEFA history books as the first scorer of the 2020-21 Europa League.

Poznan brought the game to level just six minutes later when a low left footed shot from striker Mikael Ishak inside the six yard box found the bottom left corner. Benfica would regain the lead just before the half when right back Gilberto's cross found the head of striker Darwin Nunez as the Uruguayan scored his first goal in Benfica colours and first in a European competition. The lead was once agian short lived as just two minutes into the start of the second half Ishak would strike once again on a rebound to level the game 2-2.

Benfica would take the lead for good at the 59 minute mark as Darwin Nunez converted his second of the game with a brilliant nutmeg to open up space for himself and give Benfica the 3-2 advantage. A couple of big stops by Benfica keeper Vlachodimos kept Benfica on top before Nunez would strike again for the hat trick, converting a Rafa Silva cross in additional time and give Benfica the 4-2 victory.

Benfica's next Europa League game will be at home against Standard Liege next Thursday October 29.