Quick Read
- Benfica defeated Santa Clara 2-1 in a Primeira Liga match on February 13, 2026.
- Pavlidis scored for Benfica in the 16th minute, followed by an own goal from Paulo Victor in the 38th.
- Gonçalo Paciencia scored for Santa Clara in the 47th minute, narrowing Benfica’s lead.
- The victory allowed Benfica to tie for second place in the Portuguese League with Sporting Portugal.
- This match served as a crucial preparation for Benfica’s upcoming Champions League tie against Real Madrid.
LISBON (Azat TV) – Benfica secured a vital 2-1 away victory against Santa Clara in the 22nd round of the Portuguese Primeira Liga on Friday, February 13, 2026. The win not only saw the Lisbon giants draw level for second place in the domestic league but also served as a critical tune-up ahead of their upcoming UEFA Champions League playoff round match against Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid.
The match, played at Santa Clara’s home ground, proved to be a challenging contest for Benfica, who are currently navigating a demanding schedule balancing domestic and European ambitions. The hard-fought nature of the victory underscored the competitive intensity of the Primeira Liga, even against teams lower in the standings.
Benfica Secures Crucial Primeira Liga Points
The encounter began with Benfica asserting early pressure, and their efforts paid off in the 16th minute when Pavlidis found the back of the net, giving his side an early lead. This initial breakthrough set the tone, but Santa Clara, despite their league position, demonstrated resilience, making it difficult for Benfica to extend their advantage immediately. The game saw both teams vying for control in the midfield, with moments of attacking flair interspersed with robust defensive play.
Benfica managed to double their lead in the 38th minute, albeit under unusual circumstances. A defensive miscue by Santa Clara resulted in an own goal from Paulo Victor, pushing the score to 2-0 in favor of the visitors just before halftime. This goal provided a comfortable cushion for Benfica, suggesting they might cruise through the second half. However, the match was far from decided, as Santa Clara showed intent to fight back.
Match Dynamics: Goals and Opportunities
The second half began with a swift response from Santa Clara, injecting renewed uncertainty into the fixture. Just two minutes after the restart, in the 47th minute, Gonçalo Paciencia pulled one back for the home side, narrowing Benfica’s lead to 2-1. This goal energized the Santa Clara faithful and put Benfica under pressure, forcing them to tighten their defense and manage the game more cautiously. The hosts pressed for an equalizer, creating several nervous moments for Benfica’s backline and goalkeeper, Trubin.
Despite Santa Clara’s efforts, including substitutions aimed at bolstering their attack, Benfica managed to hold on to their slender lead until the final whistle. Key substitutions from Benfica, including the introduction of Sudakov and Lopes Cabral, helped to stabilize their performance and see out the game. The match statistics reflected a competitive affair, with Benfica demonstrating clinical finishing when it mattered most, while Santa Clara’s inability to convert their opportunities ultimately cost them a share of the points.
Champions League Implications for Benfica
This victory was particularly significant for Benfica as it came just days before their crucial Champions League Round of 16 playoff match against Real Madrid. The win allowed Benfica to build confidence and maintain match sharpness, which will be vital when they host the Spanish giants on Tuesday at the Estádio da Luz. Securing three points against Santa Clara also saw Benfica draw level with Sporting Portugal in second place in the Portuguese League, intensifying the domestic title race. Sporting Portugal was scheduled to play Moreirense at home, adding further pressure to Benfica’s performance.
The focus now shifts firmly to the European stage for Benfica. Their performance against Santa Clara, while not entirely dominant, showcased their ability to secure results under pressure. The upcoming clash with Real Madrid represents a significant test of their capabilities and aspirations on the continental stage, and this Primeira Liga win provides a necessary boost of morale and momentum.
Benfica’s ability to secure a victory, even a narrow one, against Santa Clara underscores their current focus on managing both domestic league demands and the immense pressure of an impending Champions League fixture, demonstrating a strategic approach to maintaining competitive edge across multiple fronts.