In a highly anticipated clash in the Liga Portugal, Vitória de Guimarães faced off against Benfica on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Estádio Dom Afonso Henriques in Guimarães. The match, which kicked off at 16:30 (Brasília time), was crucial for both teams, with Benfica vying for the top spot in the league and Vitória fighting for a place in European competitions.
Benfica entered the game in second place, tied on points with Sporting Lisbon at 69 but trailing due to goal difference. The pressure was on them to secure a victory after a disappointing draw against Arouca in their previous match. Coach Bruno Lage was keenly aware of the stakes, stating, "We need to win to continue in the direct fight for the title after a stumble in the previous round." With this in mind, the team was determined to deliver a strong performance.
On the other hand, Vitória was sitting in fifth place with 48 points, 11 points adrift of Porto, the last team qualifying for European tournaments. Despite their position, they were riding a wave of good form, having won four of their last five matches. Their coach, Luís Freire, aimed to leverage their home advantage to add crucial points in their campaign.
The historical rivalry between the two clubs added extra spice to the encounter. In the 183 previous matches, Benfica had dominated with 127 wins, while Vitória managed 25 victories, highlighting the uphill battle the home team faced. However, the last meeting in this season's Liga Portugal saw Benfica narrowly win 1-0, a result that Vitória was eager to overturn.
The match commenced with both teams displaying aggressive tactics. Benfica's lineup featured Trubin in goal, supported by a defensive line comprising Carreras, Antonio Silva, Otamendi, and Tomas Araújo. The midfield was anchored by Florentino and Kokçu, while the attacking trio included Di Maria, Akturkoglu, and Aursnes, with Pavlidis leading the line as the striker. Unfortunately for Benfica, they were missing key players due to injury, including Renato Sanches, Alexander Bah, and Manu Silva.
Vitória's lineup included goalkeeper Bruno Varela, with a back four of Miguel Maga, Mikel Villanueva, Borevkovic, and João Mendes. The midfield featured Tomás Handel, Tiago Silva, and Telmo Arcanjo, while the attack was led by João Mendes, Nélson Oliveira, and Vando Félix. The home team aimed to exploit their familiarity with the pitch to challenge Benfica's title aspirations.
As the game unfolded, it was clear that Benfica was the more dominant side. They maintained possession and created several scoring opportunities. The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Pavlidis scored the opening goal after a rebound from a saved shot. The goal was a product of Benfica's relentless pressure, showcasing their attacking prowess.
Despite falling behind, Vitória did not relent. They responded with a series of counter-attacks, but Benfica's defense held firm, with Trubin making crucial saves to deny the home side. The first half ended with Benfica leading 1-0, and they were determined to extend their advantage in the second half.
In the second half, Benfica continued to press for more goals. Their efforts paid off when Álvaro Carreras scored in the 65th minute, doubling the lead to 2-0. The goal came from a well-executed move, demonstrating Benfica's attacking depth and tactical execution. Carreras, who had been a vital player for Benfica, was instrumental in maintaining their momentum.
As the match progressed, Vitória made substitutions in an attempt to change the game’s dynamics. However, Benfica's defense remained resolute, thwarting any attempts to get back into the match. The home team's frustration grew as they struggled to find the back of the net, with several missed opportunities compounding their woes.
In the closing stages of the match, Pavlidis sealed the victory for Benfica with his second goal, making it 3-0. This goal not only confirmed Benfica's dominance in the match but also highlighted their title credentials as they continued to chase Sporting Lisbon at the top of the table. With this win, Benfica secured three vital points, keeping them firmly in the title race.
Post-match, coach Bruno Lage expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, emphasizing the importance of the win in their pursuit of the championship. "We showed our quality today, and it's crucial to keep the pressure on Sporting. Every point counts in this league, and today we took a significant step forward," he remarked.
Meanwhile, Vitória's coach Luís Freire acknowledged the challenges his team faced against a strong opponent but remained optimistic about their chances in the remaining matches of the season. "We fought hard, but Benfica was the better team today. We need to regroup and focus on our next matches to secure our place in Europe," he stated.
The match was broadcast live on ESPN and Disney+, allowing fans to witness the intense action. With this victory, Benfica not only boosted their confidence but also reinforced their status as serious contenders for the Liga Portugal title, while Vitória would need to regroup quickly as they look to secure their European aspirations.
