Gil Vicente 1-2 Benfica
A hard-fought victory over Gil Vicente (1-2) keeps Benfica firmly in the title race.
Andreas Schjelderup was the hero as Benfica edged a tight contest in Barcelos. Anything less than a win against Gil Vicente, the surprise package of the Portuguese season, would have ended their title hopes. Instead, Mourinho’s side returned to Lisbon with all three points, staying on the heels of Porto and Sporting CP.
With Benfica already out of the Taça and Champions League, Mourinho fielded a largely recognizable starting XI for the trip to Barcelos. Only Porto and Tondela have won here this season. Beyond Antonio Silva replacing Tomas Araujo in central defense, the big surprise was the inclusion of Gianluca Prestianni, eager to turn a new page.
Benfica took time to find their rhythm. They struggled to regain possession at times against a Gil Vicente side that showed more ambition than real threat. Trubin barely had to intervene early on, saving a long-range shot from Agustin Moreira at two minutes. Benfica’s attacks came mostly down the right flank through Dedic and Prestianni. Two dangerous crosses found Rafa Silva and Schjelderup, but neither resulted in a goal—the first was blocked by Lucao, the second by Ze Carlos.
They eventually turned to set pieces to break the deadlock in the 35th minute. Aursnes delivered a corner, Antonio Silva headed it into the heart of the box, and Pavlidis touched it home for his 21st league goal, keeping pace with Luis Suarez in the scoring charts.
The second half started badly for Benfica as Aursnes suffered an injury and was replaced by Enzo Barrenechea, formerly of Valencia. Gil Vicente capitalized on the confusion to equalize. A throw-in led to a cross from Santi Garcia, and Hector Hernandez anticipated at the near post to score. It was the seventh goal—fifth in 2026—generated by the Getafe academy product.
It could have been worse. The defense blocked a close-range effort from Santi Garcia, and Trubin stretched to save a header from Hector Hernandez from a corner. Benfica struggled until, just past the hour mark, Pavlidis failed to convert a tense cross from Schjelderup.
The Norwegian winger, revitalized in recent weeks after nearly leaving in January, took the game by the scruff of the neck. In the 72nd minute, he pounced on a loose ball in the area after a scorpion attempt by Rafa Silva and fired left-footed into the near post. His celebration—covering his mouth—will spark debate.
Gil Vicente pushed until the end. They claimed a handball penalty against Dahl with 10 minutes left, and in the final moments, Trubin flew to save a thunderbolt from Konan. Benfica suffered, but the victory was vital. They remain unbeaten and firmly in the title fight.