Benfica ended the first half beating Santa Clara 2-0 in Estádio of São Miguel, in Ponta Delgada, by Liga Portugal. Vangelis Pavlidis and Gianluca Prestianni scored the goals that put the Reds ahead. The match is still underway and the second half promises adjustments from the Azoreans.
The Reds showed superiority in ball possession and finishing. Santa Clara tried to react, but was unable to convert the few opportunities created. The score reflects the visiting dominance until half-time.
Goals that defined the initial stage
Vangelis Pavlidis opened the scoring in the 16th minute. The Greek striker rose well to head a precise cross from Tomas Araujo and place the ball in the left corner.
Paulo Victor own goal
— KING OF GOALS (@KingUnited100)February 13, 2026
🇵🇹 Santa Clara 0-2 Benficapic.twitter.com/OhGfPbarp9
Gianluca Prestianni expanded in the 38th minute. The young Argentine received a pass from Pavlidis inside the area and finished from short distance, high up, with no chance for Gabriel Batista.
The two goals came in moments of constant pressure from Benfica. Santa Clara had difficulty containing attacks on the right side.
Main plays of the first half
- 16′ – Gol from Benfica: Vangelis Pavlidis heads Tomas Araujo’s cross and opens the scoring (0-1).
- 25′ – Boa save by Gabriel Batista: Rafa Silva takes a shot from the edge of the area and the Santa Clara goalkeeper passes it for a corner.
- 34′ – Oportunidade lost: Rafa Silva finishes effectively inside the area, but the ball passes to the right of the goal.
- 38′ – Segundo red goal: Prestianni receives it from Pavlidis and kicks hard to expand (0-2).
- 45+2′ – Última chance: Vinicius Lopes tries from the edge of the area, but is courageously blocked by the defense.
Benfica’s dominance in statistics
Benfica ended the first half with 51% possession of the ball compared to 49% for Santa Clara. The submissions were balanced, with three for each side.
The reds converted their opportunities better. Santa Clara depended on crosses and blocked shots to try to score.
Corners favor Benfica 3-0. The number reflects the constant pressure exerted by the visitors in the initial stage.
Expected reactions and adjustments
Vinicius Lopes received a yellow card in the 45th minute for a harsh foul. The Santa Clara striker will have to be careful in the second half.
Tomas Araujo needed medical attention in the 22nd minute. The defender returned to the game and continued contributing with dangerous crosses.
Benfica enters the break with a solid lead. Santa Clara needs to improve the ball output to seek a draw.
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Expectations for the second half
Benfica maintains control of the game even with a favorable score. Rafa Silva continues to be the main articulator of offensive plays.
Santa Clara bets on Gabriel Silva to create danger on the flanks. The striker’s cross was one of the hosts’ few weapons.
The match remains open for the second half. Qualquer tactical adjustment can change the outlook of the confrontation.
Benfica seeks to maintain the advantage gained. Santa Clara comes under pressure to seek at least a draw at home.
