Pavlidis Penalty Secures Narrow Victory for Benfica
Key Takeaways
- Benfica edged FC Famalicão 1-0 at Estádio da Luz through Pavlidis's penalty
- Greek striker converted from the spot in the 34th minute decisively
- Famalicão's goalkeeper produced five saves in a heroic defensive performance throughout
- Third-placed Benfica dominated possession at 54.8% but struggled to break down visitors
LISBON, PORTUGAL — Vangelis Pavlidis emerged as the match-winner for third-placed Benfica, converting a 34th-minute penalty to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over sixth-placed FC Famalicão at Estádio da Luz. The Greek striker's right-footed strike to the top right corner proved the difference in a contest where the hosts enjoyed the majority of possession at 54.8% but found clear-cut chances frustratingly difficult to create against stubborn opposition.
The decisive moment arrived just past the half-hour mark when Benfica were awarded a spot-kick. Pavlidis stepped up with confidence, drilling his penalty into the top right corner with precision that gave Lazar Carevic no chance despite the goalkeeper's dive. The goal rewarded Benfica's early territorial dominance, though it would prove to be their only breakthrough on an evening where clinical finishing eluded them. The hosts had created the better opportunities in the opening exchanges, with Benfica clinical in putting 6 of their 9 shots on target, yet only Pavlidis's penalty found the net.
The battle in midfield belonged largely to Benfica, with Heorhii Sudakov and Richard Ríos controlling the tempo and dictating play. Fredrik Aursnes proved particularly influential down the right flank, delivering dangerous crosses and testing Carevic with a well-struck effort in the 65th minute that required a sharp save. At the back, Nicolás Otamendi marshalled Benfica's defense with authority, while Tom van de Looi worked tirelessly for Famalicão in attempting to disrupt the hosts' rhythm. The visitors committed 21 fouls compared to Benfica's 11, reflecting their physical approach to containing the league's third-placed side.
Benfica's statistical dominance told the story of their control, creating more chances with 9 shots to Famalicão's 4 and winning five corners to two. However, FC Famalicão's goalkeeper was called into action 5 times, producing a heroic performance that kept his side within touching distance throughout. Carevic denied Gianluca Prestianni in the 78th minute with a particularly impressive stop, tipping the Italian's effort over the bar. Despite holding 54.8% possession, Benfica's inability to add a second goal ensured a nervy finale.
The turning point came in the 56th minute when Tomás Araújo suffered an injury, forcing Benfica to introduce António Silva. The defensive reshuffle briefly disrupted Benfica's rhythm, and Famalicão sensed opportunity. Gustavo Sá forced Anatoliy Trubin into a save in the 67th minute, with Sorriso's header from the rebound sailing just wide. Those moments of pressure galvanized the visitors, but Benfica's defensive solidity held firm through five minutes of added time.
Enzo Barrenechea and Amar Dedic provided crucial defensive cover in the closing stages, snuffing out Famalicão's late attempts to salvage a point. Gianluca Prestianni continued to threaten down the right wing, while substitute Franjo Ivanovic added fresh legs in the final ten minutes to help see out the victory.
Looking ahead, FC Famalicão will travel to face Estrela on December 27 as they seek to bounce back from this narrow defeat.