Pablo Aimar had a last minute injury during warm-up and was replaced by Salvio, who took his place behind strikers Saviola and Kardec. With Gaitán missing through suspension, César Peixoto started on the left midfield in front of Coentrão.
Benfica had to win to make sure their Champions League qualifications remained alive, but Lyon were the first side to create real danger. Briand found the net but was rightly ruled out for offside, on two occasions, before Benfica woke up to the challenge.
A delightful Carlos Martins cross was converted home by Kardec, and the Portuguese midfielder was at it again when he provided Coentrão with an inch perfect cross. The left-back didn't think twice at hitting the cross on a volley with his left foot, which was too hot for Lloris to handle.
César Peixoto came close to the third but completely miscued the follow up shot from close range. Javi García was happy to make that honour minutes before half-time. Usual suspect Carlos Martins whipped in a cross close to the keeper which Javi was only too pleased to head it in.
Jorge Jesus made no changes at half-time and the onslaught continued. Benfica clearly had orders to continue forward but to try and manage the game intelligently. Another superb counter attack move from a Lyon corner ended with Lloris being chipped from 25 yards by Coentrão, a fourth great assist from Martins.
With a quarter of an hour left and the three points in the bag, Lyon had enough time to bite back to narrow the goal difference down to one. Gourcouff slotted the first unmarked and Gomis made it two for the visitors from a corner which was wrongly given by the assistant.
The final blow came well after injury time, the referee seemed happy to carry on past the four minutes given and Lovren headed into an empty net as Roberto was found in no man's land. Luisão's attempt at a last ditch clearance wasn't enough as the victory was marred by unnecessary goals conceded by Benfica,
A result which doesn't tell the full story, Lyon was humiliated with great efficiency and attacking prowess from Benfica. The goals suffered may come into play if both sides finish the group on level points, and the French side have made enough damage to take the advantage.
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