Chelsea ousts Benfica to set up Barca semifinal

LONDON — Chelsea will face holder Barcelona in the Champions League semifinals after unconvincingly eliminating 10-man Benfica with a 2-1 victory Wednesday.

After winning 1-0 away two weeks ago, Chelsea's advantage was extended by Frank Lampard from the penalty spot in the 21st minute.

But Chelsea failed to make its man advantage count after Maxi Pereira was sent off in the 40th minute, with a several clear-cut chances squandered after the break.

And it was a nervy conclusion to the quarterfinal at Stamford Bridge after Javi Garcia headed Benfica level on the night in the 85th minute.

Another goal would have sent Benfica through on away goals but Ramires blasted the ball into the net on a counterattack during tense stoppage time to secure Chelsea's 3-1 aggregate win.