LISBON, Aug 22 (SW) - After being held to a draw in the first leg two
weeks ago, Benfica eased past Austria Wien 3-0 on Tuesday, putting them
into the Champions League group stage with a 4-1 aggregate triumph.
Rui Costa marked his competitive return to Benfica with a goal in the
21st minute as he slotted home from Nuno Gomes' pass in the area for a
1-0 lead.
Benfica never looked in much danger in the game and just about put the
tie in the bag on the stroke of half-time as Gomes latched onto a
through-ball by Kostas Katsouranis to make it 2-0 at Estádio da Luz.
The visitors began the second half a bit better, but any chance they
had of coming back was wiped out in the 57th minute as Portugal
midfielder Petit bagged the third goal for the home side.
Benfica will join fellow Portuguese clubs Porto and Sporting in Friday's group stage draw.
