Prestianni and Samuel Soares at opposite poles in the Greek miracle of Benfica

Fi must wait for a Greek miracle so that Benfica will leave the Reboleira on Sunday night with a victory. The Amadora Star greatly complicated the lives of Marco Silva's commandos and only yielded at the end, victim of a trivel crossing, brilliantly executed by Schjelderup, which Pavlidis turned into a goal (3-2). 

The eagles were heavily pressured by the FC victory In Guimarães hours earlier, they revealed the belief needed to avoid what would be a severe blow to the claims in the title struggle. 

Despite the fright, there are still five points that separate FC Porto and Benfica in the ranking, with the national champions collecting the fruits of a 100% victorious start-up season – read 11 victories in other days. 

Let's go to the highlights of the night at José Gomes Stadium, and there's a usual suspect who doesn't need introductions. 

The figure

Prestianni he continues to add categorical displays to Benfica's service and yesterday he did not miss the rule. Although he was less attached to the game, also because of the collective disinspiration, the little Argentine signed a monumental goal at 26 minutes, leaving the goalkeeper of the Star nailed to the lawn and still had direct participation in the bid that originated the second goal of the eagles. 

In the middle, he hit the pole with a bang and it was from Prestianni's feet that much of Benfica's dangerous bidding came out. On the eve, Marco Silva had assured the fans that the Argentine is safe in the Light, but before these exhibitions and with the January market at the door it may be risky to advance with such certainties.. 

The surprise 

Pavlidis is much more than a goalie, being tireless in the associative game and in opening spaces for colleagues to find other solutions, but is more refined than ever, not giving up goals – contrary to what happened in the recent past. Yesterday, he appeared at the right time to ensure victory for the incarnates when no one else believed. Raised to 19 goals scored in other games. It is the best scorer of the I League, with 10 goals, one more than Luis Suárez, of the rival Sporting. 

Disillusion 

This Benfica of 2026/27 is fearsome in the attack, but highly permeable in the defense. Samuel Soares he's still not convinced, and he looks pretty bad in the picture of yesterday's two goals. In the first one he didn't even have the biggest responsibilities, but in the second he was completely ‘sleeping’, seeing Antonetti anticipate. It seems far from offering what you ask of a starting goalkeeper in Benfica.  

The coaches

Pepa

The Star is experiencing a particular difficulty in the championship – there are already five consecutive losses – but yesterday's exhibition was worthy of the draw. The personality with which the Star went on Benfica deserves every compliment. However, the physical issue came up and at 70 minutes there were already several players in difficulty.

Marco Silva

The eagle coach promoted a new revolution on the 11th, after having run in the Europa League, and bet on the Echeverri-Prestianni link to boost the attack. The revenue paid off in the first part, but in the second quickly bet on other paths, having as main merit the fact of exploring the options it has in the bank in good time. 

The referee 

The game was lively, but António Nobre he didn't even have much trouble. In the most doubtful bids, he made the decisions without precipitation and resorted to the VAR whenever necessary.