Benfica vs Estoril Match Recap - Jan 3, 2026

Benfica's Dominance Continues as Pavlidis Shines in 3-1 Victory Over Estoril

Vangelis Pavlidis emerged as the star of the match, scoring twice and converting a penalty, solidifying his status as Benfica's key player this season. The forward's performance was pivotal in a game that saw Benfica maintain their unbeaten streak in the Primeira Liga, now standing at 10 wins and 6 draws from 16 matches. This victory keeps them firmly in third place with 36 points, while Estoril remains in ninth with 20 points, reflecting a stark contrast in their current trajectories.

Benfica's recent form has been characterized by a mix of resilience and inconsistency. Prior to this match, they drew against SC Braga despite dominating possession and shots on goal. The 2-2 result highlighted their struggle to convert opportunities into goals, a theme that seemed to shift against Estoril. The team registered a total of 14 shots, with Pavlidis leading the charge, showcasing his ability to capitalize on scoring chances when it mattered most.

Pavlidis' scoring prowess has been a consistent theme throughout the season. With this brace, he now boasts an impressive tally of 15 goals across all competitions. His first goal came just before halftime, a crucial moment that shifted momentum back in favor of Benfica after Estoril had equalized. This ability to respond under pressure is what sets Pavlidis apart as a defining figure for Benfica this season.

Estoril's recent performances have been a mixed bag, oscillating between promising victories and disappointing losses. Their 4-1 win against Alverca showcased their attacking potential, particularly through Yanis Begraoui, who scored twice in that match. However, they struggled to replicate that form against Benfica, where they faced a more formidable opponent. Despite holding onto possession for stretches of the game, they failed to convert that into meaningful chances, reflecting their ongoing issues with offensive efficiency.

Defensively, Estoril's vulnerabilities were exposed by Benfica's relentless attack. They allowed three goals despite having moments of control in the match. The defensive lapses that plagued them in previous matches resurfaced, particularly in critical moments where they failed to mark Pavlidis effectively. This inconsistency at the back has been a recurring theme for Estoril, as evidenced by their recent matches where they conceded four goals against Famalicao and struggled defensively against SC Braga.

The statistics from this match further illustrate the disparity between the two teams. Benfica not only dominated in terms of shots but also showcased superior passing accuracy and overall control of the game. Their ability to create high-quality chances was evident, with an expected goals (xG) figure that reflected their attacking intent. In contrast, Estoril's xG was significantly lower, indicating their struggles to generate clear-cut opportunities against a well-organized Benfica defense.

The psychological edge that Benfica holds over Estoril cannot be overlooked. Historically, Benfica has dominated this matchup, and today's result only reinforces that narrative. The confidence gained from previous encounters likely played a role in how Benfica approached this game, allowing them to dictate the pace and flow from the outset.

Looking ahead, Benfica's next challenge will be against Rio Ave on January 17, where they will aim to extend their unbeaten run further. With Pavlidis in such fine form, they will look to him as a key figure once again. Meanwhile, Estoril faces Estrela on January 19, where they must address their defensive frailties if they hope to climb the standings.

This match serves as a reminder of the importance of consistency in football. For Benfica, maintaining their form is crucial as they chase league leaders. For Estoril, finding a way to stabilize their performances will be essential if they wish to avoid slipping further down the table. The contrasting fortunes of these two teams highlight the unpredictable nature of the Primeira Liga and set the stage for an intriguing second half of the season.