benfica began march with a visit to estádio josé gomes, home of estrela da amadora. the local team scored first through paulo machado in the first half, but benfica scored two goals in the second half; the latter in the 91st minute. on 8 march, benfica played the return trip of the champions league against liverpool. the rafael benítez-led side needed to recoup a 1–0 disadvantage but benfica won the match. a long-range shot from simão in the 36th minute and a volley from miccoli in the 89th minute put benfica into the quarter-finals for the first time in 11 years, eliminating the reigning champions league title holders in the process. koeman was thrilled with the win, saying, "this is why football is so nice—you can win against a bigger team, and anything is possible if you work for it". four days later, on the same day they were drawn with barcelona in the champions league, benfica hosted naval at home. they failed to break naval's resistance despite several attempts from simão and dropped two points in a 0–0 draw. the draw threatened the hopes for a title renewal, as porto and sporting had distance themselves in the first two spots. on 15 march, benfica suffered another setback at home. in the quarter-finals of the taça de portugal against vitória de guimarães, benfica was surprised by the visitors and lost 1–0; the match's only goal was scored by dário monteiro. on 19 march, benfica visited the estádio dos arcos to play rio ave. as with estrela da amadora, benfica only secured the win in overtime, when mantorras beat mora with a 93rd-minute goal. simão later told the press benfica were still in the title race. almost a week later, on the 25 march, benfica hosted the fourth-place team braga. the home team scored in their second attempt through nuno gomes and retained their slim lead until the end. koeman was happy benfica resolved the game so early, because in three days they met barcelona. in the final game of march, benfica faced barcelona for the champions league. both goalkeepers were instrumental in securing a goalless draw; moretto had the most work. koeman was satisfied with the stalemate, predicting the second leg would be similar.