Benfica continued their impressive run in the Primeira Liga with a commanding 3-1 victory over Estoril at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica. Vangelis Pavlidis was the star of the evening, netting a hat-trick to secure the win for the home side. The match, officiated by Anzhony Rodrigues, saw Benfica take control early, with Pavlidis converting a penalty in the 34th minute. He doubled the lead just before halftime, assisted by L. Barreiro, but Estoril's J. Carvalho pulled one back in stoppage time, keeping the visitors in contention.
Pavlidis Dominates with Clinical Finishing
The first half was marked by Benfica's attacking intent, as they registered 20 total shots, with Pavlidis leading the charge. His second goal, a well-timed strike, showcased his poise and precision. Despite Estoril's attempts to regroup with substitutions in the second half, Pavlidis sealed the victory with a third goal in the 80th minute, demonstrating his lethal finishing ability.
Estoril's Struggles Continue
Estoril, struggling to find form, managed only nine shots throughout the match. Despite a spirited effort from J. Carvalho and key passes from R. Guitane, they couldn't break down Benfica's defense. Estoril's discipline issues were evident, with two yellow cards adding to their woes. The defeat leaves them searching for answers as they aim to climb the league standings.
Benfica's Tactical Edge
Benfica's tactical setup in a 4-2-3-1 formation allowed them to dominate possession with 51% and execute 417 passes with an 82% accuracy rate. Richard Ríos was pivotal in midfield, winning 12 duels and making four interceptions, while Amar Dedić's dribbling prowess added another dimension to their attack. This victory reinforces Benfica's position as title contenders, maintaining their unbeaten streak in recent matches.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Benfica solidifies their place near the top of the table, continuing a strong run of form that includes victories over Famalicao and Napoli. As they prepare for upcoming challenges, Pavlidis's form will be crucial. Estoril, on the other hand, must regroup quickly to avoid slipping further down the standings. Their next fixtures will be pivotal in determining their season's trajectory.
