Alessandro Circati helps new club Benfica secure UEFA Europa League spot

Socceroos defender Alessandro Circati has made a successful debut for his new club Benfica, helping the Portuguese giants secure a spot in the UEFA Europa League.

Circati, who last week joined Benfica from Italian club Parma on a deal reportedly worth about $33m, came off the bench on Friday morning (AEST) in Os Encarnados’ 3-1 win over Danish side AGF.

The win completed a 6-2 two-legged aggregate playoff victory for Benfica.

“I’m very happy to make my debut in these colours.” Circati posted on social media after the match.

Benfica returns to Portuguese Primeira Liga action on Tuesday morning (AEST) against Estoril at Estadio da Luz.

Meanwhile, former Sydney FC and Auckland FC defender Jake Girdwood-Reich was sent off as his Scottish club Motherwell was thrashed 4-1 by German side Freiburg in the second leg of a UEFA Conference League playoff.

Girdwood-Reich was shown a straight red card in the 57th minute at Europa-Park Stadion for tripping Freiburg attacker Derry Scherhant as charged towards Motherwell’s goal.

Motherwell’s task was already hard enough after losing the first leg 3-1 at home last week.

“It feels harsh,” Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson said in reflecting on the aggregate 7-2 scoreline.

“We fought for 60 minutes (in the second leg) and competed really well, but once again, a red card, and after that it’s really difficult.”

Motherwell’s side also included former Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, while ex-Sydney FC, Newcastle Jets and Adelaide United striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos was an unused substitute for the Scottish outfit.

Originally published as Alessandro Circati helps new club Benfica secure UEFA Europa League spot