Turkish stars Kokcu, Akturkoglu lead Benfica to 3-0 win over Boavista
Benfica's Turkish midfielder #10 Orkun Kokcu (R) celebrates with Benfica's Greek forward #14 Vangelis Pavlidis (2ndL) and Benfica's Turkish forward #17 Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu after scoring their third goal during the Portuguese league football match between SL Benfica and Boavista FC at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon on February 22, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Benfica secured an important 3-0 victory over Boavista in the 23rd round of the Portuguese Primeira Liga, extending their winning streak to four matches and temporarily taking the top spot in the standings.
Turkish internationals Orkun Kokcu and Kerem Akturkoglu contributed to the score.
The match at Estadio da Luz saw the home side dominate from the start. Benfica broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Bruma delivered a precise pass to Andrea Belotti, who found the net to make it 1-0.
The first half ended with this scoreline as Boavista struggled to create significant attacking opportunities.
Boavista’s challenge became even tougher early in the second half as midfielder Miguel Reisinho received a red card in the 51st minute, leaving the visitors with ten men.
Taking advantage of the numerical superiority, Benfica increased the pressure and doubled their lead in the 70th minute. Turkish international Kerem Akturkoglu, who had entered the match just a minute earlier, provided an assist to Vangelis Pavlidis, who calmly finished to make it 2-0.
Benfica sealed the victory in the 77th minute when Kokcu stepped up to convert a penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and securing a comfortable 3-0 win.
Turkish duo’s growing influence
Kokcu played the entire match and contributed his eighth goal of the season, while Kerem Akturkoglu made an impact after coming on in the 69th minute, registering his eighth assist of the campaign.
Together, the two Turkish internationals have now contributed to 32 goals for Benfica this season, with Kokcu tallying eight goals and five assists, while Akturkoglu has recorded 11 goals and eight assists.
League standings, next fixtures
With this win, Benfica moved to 53 points, surpassing Sporting CP (52 points) at the top of the table, though Sporting has a game in hand. Meanwhile, Boavista remained at the bottom with just 12 points, struggling to find form this season.
Looking ahead, Benfica will aim to maintain their lead when they face Nacional in the next round, while Boavista will host Santa Clara as they continue their fight for survival.
