When Vangelis Pavlidis, the Greek striker for S.L. Benfica, netted a hat‑trick at the Estádio do Dragão on March 3, 2025, the result was a stunning 4‑1 win over FC Porto in the Primeira Liga. Nicolás Otamendi capped the tally, while Samu Aghehowa grabbed Porto’s lone goal. The defeat put pressure on André Villas‑Boas, the club’s new president, and his coach Martín Anselmi, who had just overseen two wins. Meanwhile, Benfica welcomed back winger Ángel Di María after a five‑week injury lay‑off.
- Score: Benfica 4 – 1 Porto
- Goal scorers: Vangelis Pavlidis (3), Nicolás Otamendi (1), Samu Aghehowa (Porto)
- Date & venue: 3 March 2025, Estádio do Dragão, Porto
- Streak: Benfica’s ninth consecutive league win
- Historical note: Second time Benfica have scored four at Porto’s home since 1943
Historical context of the Benfica‑Porto rivalry
The rivalry between Lisbon’s S.L. Benfica and northern giants FC Porto is the Portuguese football equivalent of a royal showdown. They have met over 250 times in the Primeira Liga, with the balance of power shifting back and forth through wars, dictatorships and the modern era of television money. The last occasion Benfica hit four goals at the Dragão dates back to a 6‑2 drubbing in 1943 – a match played on a muddy pitch and recorded only in black‑and‑white photographs. That historical rarity gave extra weight to Pavlidis’s hat‑trick; it wasn’t just a win, it was a piece of long‑forgotten folklore revived.
Match day breakdown: goals, chances, and turning points
From the opening whistle Benfica pressed high, forcing Porto into a 45‑minute half‑space they rarely occupy at home. In the 12th minute, Pavlidis latched onto a low cross from Di María, slipped past the defender, and hammered the ball into the bottom corner – a goal that set the tone. Six minutes later, a second‑half‑early chance hit the post, a reminder that the Eagles could have walked away with an even larger margin.
Porto responded in the 27th minute when Aghehowa slotted a swift counter‑attack, giving the home side a glimmer of hope. But just five minutes later the spell was broken: Pavlidis, now in full flow, collected a through‑ball from midfielder Alejandro Gómez and finished clinically, restoring the two‑goal cushion.
The halfway point saw Benfica double‑tasking the midfield, dominating possession at 64 %. The third Pavlidis strike arrived in the 63rd minute, a low‑driven effort that slipped past goalkeeper Diogo Costa after a defensive lapse. The final nail was hammered in the 84th minute when captain Otamendi, usually more of a gritty defender than a scorer, rose to meet a corner and headed home.
Porto threw everything forward in the dying minutes, creating a flurry of chances, but the drag‑on’s defense held firm, and the whistle confirmed the 4‑1 victory.
Reactions from clubs, players, and the press
Benfica manager Roger Schmidt praised his side’s composure: “We came here to win, we knew the pressure. Pavlidis showed world‑class finishing, and the whole squad delivered.’’ He added that Di María’s return “added a creative spark that the team has missed these past weeks.”
Porto’s coach Martín Anselmi, however, kept a cool tone: “It’s a painful loss, but football has many chapters. We will analyse what went wrong, especially the defensive transitions, and come back stronger.” He also noted that the two‑match winning streak he had built was “still valuable for the morale of the squad.”
André Villas‑Boas, the newly elected president, faced a media barrage. In a brief statement he admitted, “The result is disappointing for our fans. We will act decisively – whether that means tactical tweaks or the winter market – to restore Porto’s pride.”
Local newspapers in Porto called the defeat “a wake‑up call,” while Lisbon’s tabloids hailed the performance as “a masterclass on enemy turf.”
Implications for the Primeira Liga title race
Benfica’s victory propels them to 68 points, just two ahead of Sporting CP, who sit second after a 2‑1 win over Braga. The win also widens the gap over Porto, who now sit fourth with 54 points, trailing Sporting by 12. If Benfica can sustain this form, the league could see a three‑way showdown until the final weeks.
European qualification is also at stake. Benfica’s aggressive away record (four wins in their last five trips) positions them as favorites for a Europa League knockout spot, while Porto’s early exit from the Taça de Portugal last month adds extra pressure to secure a Champions League berth.
What lies ahead for both sides
Benfica travel to Estoril on March 10 for a decisive clash against Sporting. A win there would give them a five‑point cushion with only three matches left. Schmidt hinted at a possible rotation to keep the squad fresh, but stressed that “the key players will be on the pitch” given the stakes.
Porto, meanwhile, face a daunting itinerary: a home fixture against Braga on March 12, followed by a Champions League group stage opener against Ajax on March 19. Anselmi warned that “the squad needs to regroup quickly; the mental side is as important as the tactical adjustments.”
Transfer rumors swirl around both clubs. Porto’s board is reportedly eyeing a loan move for a young Brazilian forward to add depth, while Benfica’s sporting director hinted at a possible summer signing of a left‑back to replace an aging veteran.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Benfica’s title chances?
The win lifts Benfica to 68 points, just two ahead of Sporting CP. With only three games left, the Eagles now control a small but crucial margin. Maintaining their unbeaten run could force a three‑way race, while a slip would hand Sporting a clear advantage.
What pressure does the loss place on Porto’s president and coach?
André Villas‑Boas, appointed only months ago, now faces fan unrest and calls for immediate action. Coach Martín Anselmi, despite a recent two‑match winning streak, must re‑evaluate defensive structures. Both are expected to make strategic moves before the next transfer window.
Did Ángel Di María influence the game after his return?
Di María provided the assist for Pavlidis’s opening goal and kept the left flank active, creating space for midfield runs. While he didn’t score, his vision and work‑rate were cited by both teammates and the opposition as a factor that unsettled Porto’s defensive shape.
What historical significance does scoring four at the Dragão hold?
Prior to this match, Benfica had only managed a four‑goal haul at Porto’s home once – a 6‑2 victory in 1943. The rarity underscores the psychological edge gained by achieving such a feat on hostile soil, reinforcing the narrative that Benfica can dominate even the toughest away fixtures.
What are the next key fixtures for both clubs?
Benfica travel to Estoril to meet Sporting on March 10, a potential title‑decider. Porto host Braga on March 12 and then face Ajax in their Champions League group opener on March 19, making the next weeks critical for their domestic and European ambitions.