Analysis The numbers behind the result
Benfica's dominance justified by superior xG and shot volume
Benfica's 2-1 victory over Estoril was a fair reflection of their control, with the hosts' 2.03 xG dwarfing Estoril's 0.36. Despite a late Begraoui consolation (82'), Marco Silva's side created consistently, landing 8 shots on target from 25 attempts (15 inside the box) to Estoril's mere 2 on target from 4 total shots. Pavlidis' opener (40') and Lenglet's header (51') from an Araújo assist capitalised on their 66% possession and 9 corners.
Benfica's clinical edge was evident in their shot conversion (8% vs Estoril's 25%, albeit from minimal chances), while their defensive organisation limited Estoril to just one blocked shot outside the box. Estoril's goalkeeper Joel Robles (6 saves, 0.85 goals prevented) kept the score respectable. Ultimately, Benfica's 9-0 corner dominance and 89% pass accuracy in midfield suffocated Estoril, whose 34% possession yielded only one meaningful chance – Begraoui's late strike, assisted by Medrano.
The decisive stat: Benfica's 25 total shots to Estoril's 4 – a 6:1 ratio underlining their territorial control and shot volume superiority.