Favourites Barcelona held by Benfica in Lisbon

LISBON, Mar 28 (Reuters) Favourites Barcelona let Benfica off lightly with some poor finishing in a Champions League quarter-final first leg today that was far more exciting than the 0-0 scoreline.

Midfielders Deco and striker Samuel Eto'o were guilty of bad misses after being set up by Ronaldinho while Benfica's Brazilian goalkeeper Marcelo Moretto saved well with his foot from Mark van Bommel in a one-sided first half.

Barcelona controlled the match although their keeper Victor Valdes also made several decisive stops, notably from lively substitute Fabrizio Miccoli in an evenly-contested second period.

The visitors were lucky when, with less than 20 minutes to go, they did not have a penalty awarded against them for handball by Thiago Motta.

Reuters PDS RN0218