LISBON, Portugal (Interstat) — A solitary second-half goal from striker Vangelis Pavlidis gave Benfica a narrow 1-0 victory over Famalicão in a Primeira Liga match on Monday at Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica.

The result, which opened the 2025-26 Portuguese league campaign for both sides, defied the lopsided pregame projections but ultimately confirmed the home side’s favored status. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a more comfortable 2-1 win for Benfica, while its ELO rating system gave the hosts a 99 percent probability of victory.

In a match that lacked consistent offensive fluency, Benfica controlled possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Famalicão defense for long stretches. The visitors, organized and resilient, managed to keep the game scoreless through the first half and appeared poised to secure an unexpected point.

The decisive moment arrived in the 68th minute and was orchestrated by an unlikely source. Dutch defender Justin de Haas, who had entered the match as a second-half substitute, provided a moment of quality from the right flank. His precise cross found Pavlidis in space inside the penalty area, and the Greek forward directed a clinical header past the Famalicão goalkeeper for what proved to be the game-winning goal.

De Haas’s impactful contribution was marred shortly after his assist, as he received a yellow card in the 74th minute for a tactical foul to halt a Famalicão counterattack. It was the only booking of the contest.

Famalicão offered little in response after conceding, failing to register a shot on target of significant danger in the latter stages as Benfica saw out the match professionally. The final whistle confirmed a winning start for Benfica under the lights at their home stadium, while Famalicão heads home with a defeat but some credit for a stubborn defensive display.

With the victory, Benfica begins its Primeira Liga season with a win and no losses, also moving to a perfect record across all competitions. Famalicão starts its campaign with a loss in both the league and overall.

The match, played on December 22, 2025, was the first for both clubs following the league’s extended winter break. Benfica will look to build on this result as it continues its pursuit of the Portuguese title, while Famalicão seeks to convert its defensive solidity into points in upcoming fixtures.