Benfica routs Haifa 6-1 for its best group-stage campaign

HAIFA, Israel (AP) — Benfica recorded its best group-stage campaign in the Champions League by routing Maccabi Haifa 6-1. The result gave the Portuguese side 14 points from six matches. That’s two points more than its previous best campaign achieved 11 years ago. It also was enough to give Benfica first place in Group H ahead of Paris Saint-Germain, which won at Juventus but finished behind the Portuguese side on away goals scored overall. João Mário’s long-range low shot in stoppage time turned out to be crucial as Benfica and PSG were even on points and head-to-head games. They also were tied on goals scored and conceded overall.