Introduction – Benfica vs Gil Vicente
On the evening of September 26, 2025, Estádio da Luz hosted a thrilling match in the 7th round of the Liga Portugal Betclic. The Benfica vs. Gil Vicente match ended with a 2-1 victory for the Eagles, thanks to two goals from Vangelis Pavlidis, who once again demonstrated his goalscoring instinct. Gil Vicente threatened, opening the scoring with a beautiful free kick from Luis Esteves, but could not hold on to the advantage under pressure from the Reds.
The result kept Benfica at the top of the standings, reinforcing their home strength and giving José Mourinho a boost, who had been criticized for his team’s instability. For Gil Vicente, the defeat doesn’t erase their strong performance and courage in facing one of the Portuguese giants on equal terms.
Before the game – context, table and expectations
Teams’ situation in the table
Benfica entered the match in third place with 14 points, while Gil Vicente occupied fourth place with 13. Only one point separated the teams, increasing the tension of the derby. A victory could cement the Reds’ place among the leaders and, at the same time, prevent Gil Vicente from overtaking them.
With 11 goals scored and only 3 conceded in the previous rounds, Benfica had the best defensive record among the major clubs. Gil Vicente, on the other hand, had been attracting attention for its balanced attack and defense, becoming one of the surprise packages of the championship so far.
History of the confrontation
The numbers were in the Eagles’ favor: Benfica had won all of their last six head-to-head meetings, most notably recent routs at Luz. Even so, Gil Vicente entered confidently, banking on consistency to pull off a surprise.
Pre-game expectations
Benfica fans were hoping for a response after subpar performances at home. Mourinho fielded an attacking team, with Pavlidis as the key player and João Mário responsible for creating chances. On the other side, Gil Vicente came out looking to exploit set pieces and counterattacks, strengths of their campaign so far.
First half – initial scare and Pavlidis equalizer
The match started intensely. Just 10 minutes in, Luis Esteves hit a perfect free kick, leaving Trubin with no chance, putting Gil Vicente ahead: 1-0. The goal provoked a momentary silence and even some whistles from the Red and White fans, who had expected a more aggressive approach from the team.
Benfica took a while to find their feet, misplacing passes and showing nervousness. Gradually, however, they took control of the game. João Neves and Florentino began to control the midfield, while Di María opened up spaces on the right.
In the 32nd minute, after a well-worked play, Pavlidis pounced on a rebound in the six-yard box and sent it into the net, equalizing the score. The goal restored confidence in the Eagles, who continued to press until halftime, but were unable to turn the game around.
Second half – penalty, comeback and final pressure
After the break, Gil Vicente tried to surprise again with quick plays down the wings. Benfica’s defense, however, showed more solidity.
In the 53rd minute, the decisive moment came: Pavlidis was brought down inside the box, and the referee awarded a penalty. The Greek himself took the penalty with skill, beating the goalkeeper and turning the score around: 2-1 Benfica.
After the comeback, Gil Vicente launched an attack. Trubin was instrumental in two dangerous shots, while António Silva and Otamendi held off aerial attacks. Mourinho pushed the team back, reinforced the midfield, and relied on counterattacks.
In the final minutes, Gil Vicente pressed from corner kicks, but the Reds’ defense held firm until the final whistle. The result was celebrated with relief by the fans, who had booed during the game but ended up applauding the team’s commitment.
Statistics – Benfica vs Gil Vicente
| Statistic | Benfica | Gil Vicente |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 1 |
| Total completions | 17 | 9 |
| Finishes on target | 5 | 2 |
| Ball possession | 49% | 51% |
| Corners | 11 | 2 |
| Fouls committed | 10 | 6 |
| Yellow cards | 1 | 2 |
| Successful passes (%) | 87% | 87% |
The numbers show a balance in possession and passing, but Benfica clearly outperformed in offensive volume and corner kicks. Gil Vicente was efficient, but lacked aggressive finishing.
Game Highlights
- Vangelis Pavlidis : a great protagonist, he scored both of Benfica’s goals and played a decisive role in the season.
- Luis Esteves : scorer of a great free kick, he showed quality and gave hope to Gil Vicente.
- Trubin : safe in critical moments, especially in the second half.
- Mourinho : he adjusted the team well after the break and knew how to close gaps in the final stretch.
Conclusion – Benfica vs Gil Vicente
The match demonstrated just how balanced the Liga Portugal is this season. Benfica had to fight until the end to confirm their favoritism against a courageous and competitive Gil Vicente. The victory, earned through hard work and goals from Pavlidis, restores the Eagles’ confidence and keeps their ambition to fight for the title alive.
For Gil Vicente, the result leaves them frustrated, but they’re also confident they can compete on equal terms with the big leagues. If they maintain this level of performance, they have everything they need to compete for European competition.
FAQs – Benfica vs Gil Vicente
1. Who scored Benfica’s goals?
Vangelis Pavlidis scored both goals, one from a rebound and the other from a penalty.
2. Who opened the scoring for Gil Vicente?
Luis Esteves scored with a beautiful free kick early in the match.
3. What was the ball possession like?
The game ended evenly: 49% for Benfica and 51% for Gil Vicente.
4. What was the fans’ reaction?
There were boos at first due to the scare and defensive errors, but the fans ended up celebrating the comeback.
5. What did Mourinho say after the game?
He highlighted the team’s resilience and stated that winning in difficult times strengthens the group.
6. How many corners did Benfica have?
The Eagles had 11 corners, compared to just 2 for Gil Vicente.
