Everton up against it after defeat to Benfica

EVERTON’S hopes of making progress in the Europa League were dealt a bitter blow at Goodison Park last night.

Benfica completed the double in Group I after a rousing second half performance to cement their place at the top of the table.

In front of club legend Eusebio they sealed the points thanks to goals from Javier Saviola and Oscar Cardozo.

Everton have now suffered two defeats after two wins and their match against AEK Athens next month is now crucial.

Afterwards Toffees goalkeeper Tim Howard acknowledged there is plenty of work for Everton to do if they are to reach the last 32 of the competition.

Everton’s hopes of qualifying from Group I are in the balance, while the Portuguese side have become favourites to progress.

Howard said: “Tonight’s performance was better – but not where it needs to be.

“We know we’re in a dog-fight – no one knows that more than us – but as far as the Europa League is concerned, we still have a chance of going through.

“It wasn’t good enough tonight, but we have a chance (to qualify).

“Look at Benfica – with no disrespect to the other teams in the group, they are a Champions League team.

“Their quality is fantastic and they’re setting the bar – they’re a tough team and they showed it over the games against us home and away.”

EVERTON: Howard, Hibbert, Yobo, Distin, Baines, Gosling (Jo 69), Fellaini, Rodwell, Bilyaletdinov, Cahill, Yakubu (Agard 81).

BENFICA: Julio Cesar, Ruben Amorim, Sidnei, Luisao, David Luiz, Di Maria, Ramires (Maxi Pereira 45), Javi Garcia, Fabio Coentrao (Aimar 61), Cardozo, Saviola (Felipe Menezes 87).

Referee: Said Ennjimi (France).