Pavlidis leads Benfica to commanding 4-1 victory over Porto
Benfica's Greek forward #14 Vangelis Pavlidis celebrates scoring his second goal during the Portuguese League football match between FC Porto and SL Benfica at Dragao stadium in Porto on April 6, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Benfica delivered a commanding performance to defeat rivals FC Porto 4-1 in a Portuguese league clash Sunday, with Greek forward Vangelis Pavlidis scoring twice to lead the visitors to victory.
The Eagles wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Pavlidis finding the net in the first minute after connecting with a cross from Turkish midfielder Kerem Akturkoglu. The goal was confirmed following a brief VAR review.
Akturkoglu shines against Porto
Porto struggled to respond as Benfica controlled much of the first half. Akturkoglu nearly added to Benfica’s lead in the 31st minute when his right-footed shot from the left side of the box struck the right post following a fast break initiated by Orkun Kokcu.
Benfica doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute when Pavlidis netted his second goal with a right-footed shot from the center of the box. The Greek striker nearly completed a hat trick in the 39th minute, hitting the post after another assist from Akturkoglu.
The visitors continued their dominance after the break, with Pavlidis completing his brace with a powerful header in the 69th minute, converting a precise cross from Argentine veteran Angel Di Maria to make it 3-0.
Porto showed signs of life in the 81st minute when Samu Aghehowa pulled one back with a left-footed shot from the center of the box, giving the home crowd something to cheer about.
Any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in stoppage time when Nicolas Otamendi headed in Benfica’s fourth goal from close range after a cross from Orkun Kokcu following a set piece.
The match was marked by physical play, with referees issuing yellow cards to Benfica’s Alvaro Carreras and Porto’s Nehuen Perez, Goncalo Borges, and Martim Fernandes.
The comprehensive victory strengthens Benfica’s position in the Portuguese league table, while Porto will need to regroup quickly after this disappointing home defeat.
