Bayer Leverkusen’s first Champions League victory of the season came courtesy of substitute Patrik Schick, who scored to defeat Jose Mourinho’s wasteful Benfica.
The Portuguese missed several opportunities in Lisbon before the Czech attacker broke the deadlock in the 65th minute.
Anatoliy Trubin saved Schick’s initial shot, but Benfica failed to clear their lines, and the ball fell pleasantly for Schick to head in.
Mourinho’s side had many chances to open the scoring, with Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolas Otamendi both hitting the post in the first half.
In a hectic few minutes before halftime, Lukebakio and Otamendi both had shots saved by former Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken, while Loic Bade made a crucial block to deny Vangelis Pavlidis.
The Greek striker, who had five goals in his previous four home appearances in the competition, squandered another good opportunity after the restart when he was unable to round Flekken.
Benfica, who have lost all four Champions League games this season, finished with 21 shots against Leverkusen’s seven.
Mourinho’s club is 35th in the 36-team league phase, with Leverkusen moving up to 21st.
