The start was not easy for Benfica. The visitors entered the field with intensity, closed the space and only in the 11th minute opened the score with Esteves, surprising the audience. For a while the atmosphere froze, but the answer was not long in coming. Pavlidis, with the class that characterizes him, ideally took advantage of his team's first good opportunity and in the 18th minute equalized, sending a message that Benfica had not said its last word.

A little later, in the 26th minute, Lukebakio won a penalty and the Greek forward took responsibility. Cool against the goalkeeper, he executed exemplary, completing the upset. The stadium found its voice again, the audience erupted in awe, and Mourinho smiled seeing his striker justify his choices.

The rest of the match was not without risks. Gil Vicente did not give up; she created chances, pressed and in the 50th minute found the net with Pablo, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. The “Eagles” lived in agony in the last minutes, but they held on to the lead until the end, despite Everton’s dismissal for the visitors in injury time.

Pavlidis, the match’s top scorer, was substituted seconds before the whistle, to the applause of the crowd. Six matches, seven goals and another night where he showed that he is not just a scorer, but a personality who can inspire and guide. With this victory, Benfica reached 17 points, closing in on Porto by one point (albeit with a game more) and proving that he has the quality and strength to stand on the road to the top.



The Greek international was the man of the night. Two goals, a turnaround, and a "Da Luz" that recognized him with applause as the title of protagonist. Because sometimes, football is written with a signature. And yesterday (Friday 26/9), that signature was that of Vangelis Pavlidis.