- by Masivuye Mzimkhulu
- on 26 Oct, 2025
When Sport Lisboa e Benfica thumped Futebol Clube de Arouca 5‑0 at Estádio da Luz on , the spotlight instantly turned to the trio of scorers. Vangelis Pavlidis, the Greek forward, struck a double‑penalty before adding a third on 50 minutes, while veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi padded in before the final whistle when Franjo Ivanović coolly slotted his spot‑kick. The match – part of the Liga Portugal Betclic season – left Benfica on 21 points, still a breath away from league leader FC Porto.
Match Overview: A night of dominance
The atmosphere at Estádio da Luz was electric, with roughly 60,000 fans chanting the club’s anthem before kickoff. From the first whistle, Roger Schmidt's side pressed high, forcing Arouca into errors. Pavlidis earned a penalty just nine minutes in after a clumsy tackle in the box; he coolly converted, setting the tone.
By the 22‑minute mark, a swift move down the left flank saw Pavlidis score again from the spot, after a handball claim that left the referee no choice. The first half ended 3‑0, with Otamendi's header in stoppage time (45+6) sealing the rout.
The second half was merely a formality. A quick turnover led to Pavlidis completing his hat‑trick at the 50th minute, and Ivanović’s penalty in the dying seconds (90+3) capped a night that will be remembered for its clinical execution.
Goal Timeline and Key Moments
- 9' – Pavlidis scores from the penalty spot after a foul on his teammate.
- 22' – Second penalty, same scorer, after a handball inside the box.
- 45+6' – Otamendi rises above the defense to head home a corner.
- 50' – Pavlidis completes his hat‑trick, finishing a counter‑attack.
- 90+3' – Ivanović slams home the final penalty, sealing 5‑0.
The penalty count sparked a quick debate among commentators; three spots in a single match is rare in the Primeira Liga, underscoring both Benfica’s attacking pressure and Arouca’s defensive frailties.
Tactical Setup and Player Performances
Schmidt deployed a 4‑3‑3, trusting experienced centre‑backs Otamendi and Mats Wieffer to hold the line while granting full‑backs the liberty to overlap. The midfield trio of Viktor Tsygankov, Mads Bech Dahl and Enzo Barrenechea dictated tempo, serving up quick passes to the front three.
Beyond the goal scorers, Christian Lukebakio provided the width, delivering two dangerous crosses that led to the penalties. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar Trubin kept a clean sheet, pulling off a reflex save early in the second half that could have dented the morale.
"We knew Arouca would sit deep, but our pressing forced them into mistakes," Schmidt said in the post‑match interview. "Pavlidis' composure from the spot was superb, and the whole squad showed why we belong at the top of the table."
Implications for the Title Race
The victory nudged Benfica to 21 points, maintaining a four‑point gap behind Porto, who sit on 25 after their own win against Sporting on the same weekend. With twelve matches left, every three points matter.
Statistically, Benfica’s goal difference now stands at +18, compared with Porto’s +22. Analysts from the local newspaper "A Bola" point out that if Benfica can keep a clean‑sheet streak like this, they could overturn the deficit in the final run‑in.
Meanwhile, Arouca remain mired in the lower half of the table, holding only nine points. Their next fixture against Braga will be a test of resilience after a demoralising loss.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Benfica’s five‑goal haul is the club’s biggest margin of victory at Estádio da Luz since the 2019‑20 season, when they beat Santa Clara 6‑0. It also marks the first time a forward has netted a hat‑trick in the 2025‑26 Primeira Liga season.
Looking ahead, Schmidt’s side faces a crucial derby against Porto on November 15 at Estádio do Dragão. A win there could swing the momentum decisively. If the attacking trio of Pavlidis, Lukebakio and Ivanović stay injury‑free, the odds are in Benfica’s favour.
On the broader European stage, the strong domestic form bodes well for Benfica’s Champions League group‑stage draw, scheduled for September 2025. The club’s recent goal‑scoring spree suggests they could be a dark horse contender.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Benfica's chances of winning the league?
The 5‑0 victory lifts Benfica to 21 points, narrowing the gap to league leaders FC Porto to four points. With a superior goal difference (+18) and momentum, the win keeps Benfica firmly in the title race and puts pressure on Porto to maintain their own form.
Who were the standout performers for Benfica?
Vangelis Pavlidis was the star, scoring a hat‑trick, including two penalties. Nicolás Otamendi added a crucial header, while Franjo Ivanović capped the match with the final spot‑kick. Coach Roger Schmidt praised the entire unit, especially the midfield’s control and Lukebakio’s wing play.
What does the result mean for Arouca's league standing?
Arouca remain stuck in the lower half with nine points after the heavy defeat. The loss worsens their goal‑difference, making a climb out of the relegation zone more difficult. Their next match against Braga will be vital to revive any hopes of survival.
When is Benfica's next big test?
The upcoming fixture of greatest importance is the league derby against FC Porto on 15 November 2025 at Estádio do Dragão. A win could swing the title race in Benfica's favour, while a draw would keep the gap manageable.
Did any controversies arise during the match?
The three penalties awarded to Benfica sparked debate, with Arouca’s coach claiming the decisions were harsh. However, VAR confirmed the infractions, and the referee’s calls stood, leaving the result unchanged.
Abhimanyu Prabhavalkar
October 26, 2025 AT 20:54Wow, three penalties in one game? Guess the ref thought Arouba needed a free lesson in basic football rules. Still, those spot‑kicks sure gave the fans something to chew on.