Benfica smash Maccabi Haifa to win Champions League Group H

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JERUSALEM, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Portugal's Benfica defeated Israeli champions Maccabi Haifa 6-1 in Group H of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday evening.

A dramatic goal by Joao Mario in the 92nd minute gave Benfica first place in the group on goal difference at the expense of Paris Saint-Germain, who beat Juventus 2-1 in Turin.

Benfica and PSG advanced to the round of 16, while Juve finished third and will drop into the UEFA Europa League.

In front of 30,000 fans at the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa, Goncalo Ramos missed a chance for Benfica in the 10th minute, with his shot hitting the post.

Benfica scored first with a header from Ramos after a pass by Nicolas Otamendi.

Haifa equalized in the 26th minute from a VAR-assisted penalty scored by Tjarron Chery, after a handball by Alexander Bah.

Benfica retook the lead in the 59th minute from a header by Petar Musa, after an accurate long-range cross by Bah.

The visitors scored their third goal in the 69th minute, from a perfect 20-meter free kick by Alejandro Grimaldo, and after four minutes made it 4-1 by Rafa Silva, from a pass by David Neres.

Benfica took advantage of Haifa's fatigue to score their fifth in the 88th minute through Henrique Araujo, before Mario's all-important sixth goal after good build-up play from Chiquinho.

The Champions League round of 16 draw is scheduled for Monday in Nyon, Switzerland. Enditem

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