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Raul Jimenez scores, Bayern Munich beat Benfica to reach Champions League semifinals

By Rafael Diaz
Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

It was a big night for Raul Jimenez in Europe, with the Mexican international striking the opening goal for Benfica in their Champions League quarterfinal defeat to Bayern Munich.

The Mexican forward was extremely active in the first half and capitalized on a brilliant Eliseu cross for Benfica's opener in the 27th minute. With the goal, Jimenez became only the second Mexican to score in the quarterfinal stage of the Champion League following in the footsteps of Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez.

Not content with the lead, Raul came close to adding a second when he gathered inside the box before forcing Manuel Neuer to a good save.

But mere moments later, Arturo Vidal fired home from just outside the box to put things at 2-1 in favor of the German side.

The game held at that score until the 52nd minute when Thomas Muller tapped in after a well-worked set piece.

Just a few minutes after entering the match, Anderson Talisca brought a glimmer of hope for Benfica with a superb free-kick, but Pep Guardiola's side held on to seal their place in the semifinals of the Champions League.

Bayern Munich join Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, and Manchester City as the top four teams of the competition.

You can watch Raul Jimenez's goal below:

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