Benfica and Bayer Leverkusen played out an insipid 0-0 draw at Estádio da Luz as the German side qualified as runners-up from Group C.
The Portuguese champions had already been knocked out by Zenit St. Petersburg when they lost 1-0 to the Russian side on Matchday Five. For the other three teams, there was still everything to play for as all of them could qualify theoretically, based on the results on Matchday Six.
Benfica dominated possession in the first ten minutes, but eventually Leverkusen took control of the match as they started to stamp their authority in the middle of the park. The first real chance fell to Benfica, however, as Lima hit the crossbar from six yards out. Benfica soon had another chance from a free kick in a good position after Benito was fouled, but they failed to make the most of it.
Although Leverkusen enjoyed comfortable possession, they failed to create anything in the final third, resorting to occasional shots from the distance. Benfica kept on pushing and probing in the first half, but without much ado.
The second half saw Julian Brandt substituted on for Robbie Kruse right at the onset. It did not change Leverkusen’s fortunes though as the home side’s defense held strong. Roger Schmidt, the Leverkusen manager, seemed out of ideas as his players did not just fail to live up to the expectations, but did so in a frustrating manner.
Late into the second half, Benfica’s main man, Talisca had a couple of good chances but failed to take advantage. With Leverkusen getting increasingly frustrated and worried about their loosening grip on the top spot of Group C, the match converted into one with scrappy challenges and intentional fouls. Omar Toprek eventually saw a second yellow and Schmidt’s side had to finish with ten men on the pitch.
Monaco’s 2-0 win against Zenit St. Petersburg meant the French side will finish as the winners of the group while Leverkusen will take the runners-up position, but the signs are not good for the German team, for they have struggled to break free in the last two matchdays.