Fenerbahce 1-1 Benfica: Benfica through despite being held in Turkey

Benfica have advanced 2-1 on aggregate to the playoff stage of the Champions League after a score draw in Turkey.

Benfica took the lead after half an hour courtesy of Benfica's young midfield start Gedson Fernandes, who was only playing his second professional game for Benfica having played in the first leg last week. 

It was a vital goal to settle the nerves of Benfica fans, with the early strike meaning that Fenerbahce needed at least three goals to advance.

However, their supporters were given a great deal of hope after a first half stoppage time goal meant this was far from a done deal for Benfica.

The second half was tense, with both sides having a few half chances but the quality was lacking somewhat, and there was a lack of fluidity to the game which ultimately led to it ending in a deadlock, a result which suited Benfica down to the ground and was more than sufficient to see them sail into the next round.

Their work is not done however, and a meeting with PAOK awaits them in the next round, a fixture which will see the winner advance to the Champions League group stage.