Benfica 5-0 St. Gallen
SL Benfica added another chapter to their European history book with a 5-0 win over Swiss side St. Gallen at the Estádio da Luz on Wednesday evening.
The Eagles’ frustrating 2-1 defeat at St. Gallen last week was all but forgotten after a dominant performance that saw Marco Silva’s side unite to pull off a memorable victory. Vangelis Pavlidis, who has been the focal point of Benfica’s attack through three different managers, was once again the hero, recording a magnificent hat-trict within the first 65 minutes, and adding a fourth from a penalty shortly after. Clément Lenglet recorded his first goal for the reds in the 82nd minute to cap off a result that will leave both Silva and the Benfica heirarchy delighted with how the squad is shaping up for the upcoming campaign.
Rafa finds Pavlidis to open scoring
Pavlidis will be credited with the goal, Rafa Silva with the assist, but Alexander Bah deserves a great deal of credit for some quick thinking to unlock the visitors for the first goal. While the St. Gallen defenders caught their breath, the Danish full-back was quick to see an opportunity and lauched a deep throw-in down the wing. Rafa did his part, connecting with the ball before cutting it back into the box for Pavlidis to convert.
The second half saw more of the same from Pavlidis, with the Greek star showing no mercy to his opponents. This time it was Jakub Kaminski who worked the opening alongside the 27-year-old. Kaminski reminded us all why he arrived in Lisbon with such a lofty reputation. Some smart build-up play at the top of the box between the Polish midfielder and Pavlidis saw the latter break free in the box, and the striker made sure to keep his composure, slotting a well placed left-footed shot into the right-hand corner of the goal.
Pavlidis completes 65-minute hat-trick, but wants more
Shortly after Benfica’s second a red card was brandished to St. Gallen’s Jozo Stanic, who left his leg outstreched as he attempted to break up a counter attack, taking down Sudakov in the process and making it an obvious yellow - his second of the match. With a man advantage, it didn’t take long for Benfica’s 2025-26 top scorer to capitalise and complete his first hat-trick of the season. The goal was chalked off at first, but after a review by the officials, Bah was deemed to have saved the ball from going out just in time, meaning Pavlidis’ close range header stood. 3-0.
When Rios was taken down in the box in the 74th minute, it seemed only fitting that Pavlidis once again stepped up to earn a deserving fourth. His right-footed boot thunderd past keeper Lukas Watkowiak into the top corner, ensuring there was no way back for the Swiss club. Lenglet’s late goal was just icing on the cake, a feel-good finish for the Benfiquistas who were able to see the new signing record his first goal for the club.
Benfica: Anatoliy Trubin, Alexander Bah, António Silva, Clément Lenglet, Samuel Dahl, Enzo Barrenechea, Jakub Kaminski, Georgiy Sudakov, Leandro Barreiro, Rafa Silva, Vangelis Pavlidis
St. Gallen: Lukas Watkowiak, Hugo Vandermersch, Tom Gaal, Jozo Stanic, Chima Okoroji, Mihailo Stevanovic, Lukas Gortler, Carlo Boukhalfa, Lukas Daschner, Christian Witzig, Aliou Baldé
