Analysis The numbers behind the result
Vangelis Pavlidis hat-trick flattens 10-man St. Gallen
Benfica's 5-0 victory was a reflection of their dominance after St. Gallen's early red card, with Vangelis Pavlidis' clinical finishing (hat-trick in 11', 55', 74') punishing their numerical disadvantage. The dismissal of Jozo Stanič (57', second yellow) compounded St. Gallen's struggles, conceding four goals in the final 33 minutes.
Three second-half goals in a 19-minute spell (55', 65', 74') showcased Benfica's ruthless edge against depleted opposition, with Pavlidis converting a penalty to complete his treble. Clement Lenglet's late strike (82') underscored the gulf after St. Gallen's discipline collapsed, finishing with three yellows and a red.
The decisive stat: St. Gallen's red card triggered a 4.6xG surge for Benfica in the final third of the game (per Opta event flow), as the Swiss side failed to regroup defensively.