The first half stayed level at 0-0, and neither Benfica nor Villarreal found a breakthrough before the interval. That left the game poised at the break, but Benfica changed the rhythm after the restart and finally moved in front on 51 minutes and 59 seconds.
Once ahead, Benfica took firmer control of the contest. Villarreal were forced to chase an equaliser, but the next decisive action also went Benfica's way. The second goal arrived on 75 minutes and 27 seconds, giving the scoreline the cushion it had lacked for much of the night and putting the result beyond serious doubt.
From there, Benfica saw out the closing stages without allowing Villarreal back into the game. The final summary was straightforward: a 0-0 first half, two second-half goals for Benfica, and a clean-sheet win at full time. For anyone checking the stats and highlights, the key action was concentrated after the break, when Benfica turned a balanced opening into a convincing final score.