Pavlidis Breaks Estrela Hearts With 94th-Minute Benfica Winner

Benfica snatched a dramatic 3-2 Primeira Liga victory at Estrela in Round 11, with Vangelis Pavlidis scoring deep into stoppage time to break Estrela hearts after a pulsating contest. The Eagles had looked set to drop points after Bernardo Schappo’s own goal and Leandro Antonetti’s strike canceled out Gianluca Prestianni’s opener, but Pavlidis struck in the 94th minute to break Estrela resistance.

Benfica Dominate Early Exchanges

The Eagles started brightly, their 62% first-half possession yielding the opener in the 26th minute. Claudio Echeverri’s incisive pass found Gianluca Prestianni, who fired past Léo Linck to give the visitors a deserved lead. Estrela’s disjointed midfield struggled to contain Rafa Silva and Prestianni, with Benfica threatening to run riot.

Estrela Fight Back After Half-Time

Whatever Pepa said at half-time worked wonders. Just three minutes into the second half, Lovro Zvonarek latched onto Rafa Soares’ cross to equalize against the run of play. Estrela grew into the game, their physicality disrupting Benfica’s rhythm. Three yellow cards in quick succession showed the hosts’ determination, and their pressure paid in the 68th minute when Bernardo Schappo turned Joaquín Fernandez’s cross into his own net.

Benfica Keep Believing

The Eagles didn’t panic. Marco Silva threw on Dodi Lukebakio and Andreas Schjelderup, and the latter turned provider in the 76th minute, teeing up Leandro Antonetti to restore parity. Estrela looked to have done enough – their compact defensive shape and Leonel Shappo’s leadership frustrating Benfica. But Pavlidis had other ideas. Deep into stoppage time, Andreas Schjelderup’s pass split the defense, and the Greek striker made no mistake, sparking wild celebrations in the away end.

What This Means For Both Sides

The win keeps Benfica in the title hunt, their resilience a hallmark of Marco Silva’s side. For Estrela, it’s a bitter pill to swallow after a gutsy display. They’ll take heart from matching one of Portugal’s giants, but defensive lapses proved costly. Both teams enter the international break with contrasting emotions after an unforgettable Primeira Liga classic.

Key Moments

26′ ⚽ Benfica — Gianluca Prestianni (assist: Claudio Echeverri)

48′ ⚽ Estrela — Lovro Zvonarek (assist: Rafa Soares)

68′ ⚽ Benfica — Bernardo Schappo

76′ ⚽ Estrela — Leandro Antonetti (assist: Joan Jordan)

90+4′ ⚽ Benfica — Vangelis Pavlidis (assist: Andreas Schjelderup)