Red Star Belgrade 1-2 Benfica: Turkish delight for visitors as Akturkoglu and Kokcu earn win

Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade's winless start to their Champions League campaign continued as they were beaten 2-1 at home by Benfica on Wednesday.

First-half goals from Turkish duo Enes Akturkoglu and Fredrik Aursnes put the visitors in control in the Serbian capital and although Mirko Ivanic reduced the deficit just past the hour, Dejan Stankovic's side could not find an equaliser.

The result leaves Red Star bottom of Group H with one point from three games, while Benfica moved up to second with seven points, three behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

Red Star made a bright start and had the first chance of the game when Aleksandar Katai fired wide from a good position.

However, Benfica gradually took control and took the lead in the 19th minute when Akturkoglu nodded home from close range after Goncalo Ramos had headed the ball back across goal.

The visitors doubled their advantage just six minutes later when Aursnes fired home from the edge of the box after Red Star failed to clear a corner.

Red Star improved after the break and pulled a goal back in the 62nd minute when Ivanic headed home from a corner.

The home side pressed for an equaliser but Benfica held on to secure a valuable away win.

What does this mean for Red Star Belgrade?

Red Star's defeat leaves them with a mountain to climb if they are to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League.

The Serbian champions have now lost their first three games in the competition and are bottom of the group.

Their next game is away to Juventus on October 5 and they will need to produce a major improvement if they are to get anything from the match.

What does this mean for Benfica?

Benfica's win moves them up to second in the group and puts them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages.

The Portuguese giants have now won two of their three games and have a three-point lead over third-placed Maccabi Haifa.

Their next game is at home to PSG on October 11 and a win would put them in a commanding position in the group.