Meireles strike seals Chelsea win

04 April 2012 21:47

Frank Lampard marked his 550th Chelsea appearance with a penalty against Benfica in a 2-1 victory to secure safe passage to the Champions League semi-finals.

The England international slotted home from the spot midway through the first period after makeshift centre-back Javi Garcia was adjudged to have brought down Ashley Cole in the box.

Referee Damir Skomina was the main talking point of the game, though, as he handed out eight yellow cards, with Maxi Pereira sent off for the visitors for picking up two of those in the first half.

Benfica ensured a nervy ending when Garcia nodded home from close range, although Raul Meireles scored in stoppage time to ensure they would face Barcelona in the last four.

Source: PA