Goals from Luisao and Oscar Cardozo gave Benfica a 2-0 win over Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Brazilian defender Luisao scored with a first-time shot inside the area in the 21st minute and Cardozo tapped in from short range in the 68th as Benfica rebounded from a recent dip in form for a winning start in Group B.
Benfica, which has lost three of its opening four games in the Portuguese league, was unsettled in its first Champions League appearance in five years.
The Israeli champion, one of six Champions League newcomers, produced a disciplined performance but couldn't make its efforts tell on the scoresheet.
Luisao fired in from a cross by Carlos Martins after a clumsy early opening from the home side.
Benfica was fortunate to avoid conceding a penalty in the 16th when Luisao pulled down Etey Schechter, Hapoel's top scorer last season, who was a constant menace at the Stadium of Light.
Argentina playmaker Pablo Aimar and Paraguay stiker Cardozo squandered several chances to extend Benfica's lead while Benfica goalkeeper Roberto was at full stretch to keep out a Dani Bondarv chip before the interval.
The home team improved after Maxi Pereira came on for Nicolas Gaitan, and Pereira broke into the area to set up Cardozo.
Hapoel didn't ease up, though, and Toto Tamuz shot against the woodwork in the 87th minute.
