The early sending off of Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo proved decisive as Michael Laudrup's Getafe pulled off yet another memorable European result, defeating the Portuguese giants 2-1 on their own patch, the mythical Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. They took the lead courtesy of Ruben de la Red in 25 minutes, and added a second midway through the second-half through Pablo Hernandez. However, they allowed the hosts to claim a goal back. Pedro Mantorras' strike with fifteen minutes to go leaves the Aguias with hope ahead of next week's return clash in Madrid.

Camacho opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Lazslo Sepsi wide on the left as he started a European game for the first time this season. The veteran Rui Costa was, as ever, there to make the play in the centre of Benfica's midfield. However, they were left outnumbered by Getafe's excellent four man midfield, in which the likes of De la Red, Granero and Pablo Hernandez have been taking the acclaim in Spain this season. Oscar Ustari was selected ahead of Pato Abbondanzieri in goal, while Juan Angel Albin played a little deeper than Braulio in attack.

Benfica's pre-match preparations were thrown into disarray after just eight minutes when Paraguayan frontman Oscar Cardozo, in a moment of utter stupidity, lashed out at Getafe centre-back David Belenguer, earning himself a thoroughly deserved straight red-card. Laudrup's men took advantage of their numerical superiority, and found themselves a goal up after 25 minutes. Ruben de la Red picked up the ball on the edge of the area, beat two defenders, and shot. His effort was deflected, and Quim was beaten. The home side struggled to find a way back into the match, with the loss of Cardozo's goal threat a major blow. Twenty minutes after the restart, Pablo Hernandez struck what could prove to be a decisive second goal. His fine strike from the edge of the area went in off the woodwork, leaving Quim with no chance yet again. However, Benfica did manage to get one back with little over quarter of an hour remaining. Substitute Pedro Mantorras unleashed a superb effort from distance, giving his team renewed hope. The home fans in the half-empty Estadio da Luz suddenly saw their side's chances of reaching the last eight revived too, although they will need to score two without reply next week in Spain if they are to repeat last season's run to the quarter finals.

Getafe are in the driving seat, and deservedly so. They continue to surprise all comers with their attractive brand of football, and the likes of De la Red and Pablo Hernandez make their midfield capable of competing with the best Europe has to offer. The latter will miss the return after picking up a yellow card, and Braulio will also miss out, but Michael Laudrup's men should surely make it through on the back of this result, in a game which will be remembered for some fine goals, as they continue their successful first ever venture into European competition.