• Benfica
• Primeira Liga,
• Chaves
• Joao Mario
• Frederik Aursnes
• Joao Neves

GD Chaves 0-2 Benfica

Benfica have bounced back from last week’s 1-1 draw to Casa Pia with a 2-0 victory away to Chaves, this Saturday, taking the Eagles top of the Primeira Liga momentarily.

The Lisbon giants were made to wait until the hour-mark before breaking the deadlock under chilly conditions in Trás-os-Montes, secured by Frederik Aursnes in the 59th minute.

João Mário made it 2-0 from the penalty spot with just ten minutes of normal time to go, easing the pressure on Roger Schmidt’s men and redirecting it to city rivals Sporting, due to face Estrela da Amadora on Sunday.

FC Porto 0-1 Estoril Praia

“Estoril are a much better team than their league position suggests and I’m sure they’ll end the season in mid-table.” Those were the words of warning uttered by Porto coach Sérgio Conceição in the pre-match press conference as his team prepared to host the side lying rock-bottom in the standings.

It proved to be a prophetic statement as Estoril pulled off a huge shock by coming away with all three points in Porto tonight thanks to Jordan Holsgrove’s superb goal direct from a free kick.  

The Primeira Liga came back with a bang last weekend after the international break. Three games had 5 or more goals and there were two upsets as Benfica drew at home against Casa Pia and Braga played out a dramatic 3-3 draw with Gil Vicente in Barcelos.

In round 10 Benfica try to navigate their first rough patch of form under Roger Schmidt, Porto seem to be getting back on the right track with some convincing wins under their belt, while Sporting continue to lead the pack, churning out victories even in the most difficult games.

PortuGOAL looks ahead to the weekend schedule. 

What a difference a year makes. This time last season Benfica were sweeping all before them at home and abroad and coach Roger Schmidt could do no wrong.

Although domestic results have been largely positive in 2023/24, the team’s performance level has been poor and the Eagles’ Champions League campaign has been disastrous.

Schmidt has endured heavy criticism for his erratic team selections and in a fresh blow forward David Neres suffered a knee injury in the 1-1 draw against Casa Pia at the weekend that will keep him out of action until 2024.