Benfica run of poor play proves costly in Inter loss

Benfica's run of poor performances proves to be costly in their loss today to Inter Milan. The Portuguese side has been struggling since the end of the International break and their lack of form was evident on the pitch against the Italian giants today in Champions League play. Despite coming into the game as favourites, Benfica failed to produce the free flowing attack that fans have become accustomed to seeing this season.

The two clubs played a scoreless first half before Inter struck twice in the second half, with the second marker coming of a harsh penalty call that saw the ball deflect off Joao Mario's head onto his out of position arm inside the box.

Benfica's struggles to break down a stingy Inter defense was no more apparent then down the right side of the field where Gilberto, playing in place of an injured Alexander Bah and Joao Mario failed to click time and time again before the introduction of David Neres changed that.

With just one win in their last three competitive games, which include two straight losses at home, Benfica must find a way to turn things around quickly if they hope to progress further in Europe's elite competition.

The pressure will be on Benfica manager Roger Schmidt who will need to find his best XI for a must win second leg at the San Siro next week and shake off his apparent lack of confidence with his bench options when things are not working to plan.