Benfica secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over AVS, extending their unbeaten streak in the Primeira Liga. The win, orchestrated in the first half, keeps them hot on the heels of Porto and Sporting CP.
José Mourinho’s side—who will miss the Champions League return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu due to his dismissal in the first match—recorded their third consecutive league win with a dominant display. Gianluca Prestianni, the Argentine midfielder at the center of the week’s controversy after alleged racist remarks toward Vinicius at Da Luz, watched from the stands due to yellow card accumulation. He is expected to be available for the clash against Arbeloa’s Real Madrid.
Mourinho rotated heavily, with only Otamendi retaining his place in defense. Enzo Barrenechea and Richard Ríos formed a completely new double pivot, while Lopes Cabral replaced Prestianni on the right wing. Cabral overcame an early physical issue and helped set the tone.
Benfica took control just past the 10th minute. Pavlidis struck a powerful shot, and Bah was quick to pounce on the rebound after Adriel failed to hold it. The Greek striker nearly added a second but fired wide from a Schjelderup pass. Rafa Silva also tested Adriel in the 28th minute, forcing a corner. From that set piece, Barrenechea collected the loose ball and fired home for 2-0—his first Primeira Liga goal.
Pavlidis missed another one-on-one before halftime, but just before the whistle, Rafa Silva finished a rabona after a pass from Lopes Cabral, marking his return to Da Luz in style since rejoining from Besiktas in the winter window.
At the break, Mourinho gave Otamendi a rest, bringing on Tomás Araújo. Benfica didn’t push excessively for more goals in the second half, though Lopes Cabral hit the post and appealed for a handball penalty. With less than 20 minutes remaining, Ivanovic and Lukebakio came on to refresh the wings, but the fourth goal never came.
Now, all attention turns to the battle awaiting at the Bernabéu.
