Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Benfica: PSG edge past Benfica in W7F thriller | OneFootball

The World Sevens Football tournament kicked off in style for PSG and Benfica as they battled it out in Estoril, with the French side claiming a 2–1 win at the Estádio António Coimbra da Mota.

With Benfica enjoying the edge of home advantage, both teams delivered a fast-paced, end-to-end encounter that set the tone for the competition. Lara Martins opened the scoring for Benfica with a brilliant curling effort, but Paris Saint-Germain responded decisively – Baby Jordy Benera equalised with a powerful strike from distance before Frøya Dorsin sealed the win with a composed finish in the second half. Fans were treated to a high-energy contest, showcasing the skill and intensity of two of Europe’s top women’s teams.

As it happened

The opening half of the W7F clash between Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain delivered fast-paced football, fluid substitutions, and early goals with PSG starting brightly, with sharp movements and intelligent runs, but they couldn’t convert their early momentum into a goal. Laurina Fazer saw her powerful left-footed shot from long range blocked before conceding a corner at the other end as Benfica began to settle.

Benfica had their first sight of goal in the 5th minute when Anna Gasper’s right-footed effort flew high over the bar. Just a minute later, PSG made the first of several rolling substitutions. German goalkeeper Lena Pauels kept Benfica level in the 6th minute, reacting quickly to block a shot from Jennifer Echegini inside the box. Benfica responded by growing into the game, sending in crosses and asserting more control, but they couldn’t find a finish until the 8th minute.

It was Martins who broke the deadlock with a brilliant curling effort, giving Benfica a 1–0 lead. The celebrations were short-lived, though. Just moments later, Benera equalised for PSG with a clinical right-footed strike from outside the box that flew into the corner. Benfica pressed again with two corners in the 10th and 11th minutes, and midfielder Christy Uchiebe came close with a driven attempt from deep. PSG nearly restored their lead in style as Fazer curled a superb left-footed shot past Pauels, but it struck the post.

The match continued at a relentless pace, with PSG executing a full 6-on, 6-off substitution rotation to maintain energy. Pauels stood tall once again in the 13th minute, making a vital save before smothering another close-range attempt as Fazer threatened again.

The second half of the W7F fixture between Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain resumed with both sides hungry to take control. Benfica’s Martins came close to doubling her tally in the 18th minute, her shot whistling just wide of the post.

The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute for PSG when Dorsin fired a right-footed shot cleanly into the net, giving her side a 2–1 lead. Benfica looked to draw level with Jody Brown cutting inside from the right and unleashing a dangerous left-footed strike, only to be denied at the centre of the goal. Benfica were forced to dig deep as Paris Saint-Germain continued to threaten. Océane Hurtré and Manssita Traoré both had efforts on goal around the 25th minute, but Benfica’s defence stood strong to keep the match within reach.

In the 28th minute, Benfica won a throw-in deep in PSG territory, launching one final push for an equaliser. Martins once again showcased her skill, drawing a foul in a dangerous area. With time slipping away, Benfica’s goalkeeper Pauels stepped up to take the free-kick, launching the ball forward in search of a dramatic finish. However, Marit Lund’s ambitious strike from distance flew well over the bar, ending Benfica’s hopes of a late leveller.

Despite a determined late surge from Benfica, it was Paris Saint-Germain who walked away with a narrow 2–1 victory in an electrifying start to the W7F tournament. With high tempo, technical flair, and end-to-end drama, this encounter set a high standard for what promises to be a captivating competition.

The lineups

BEN: Pauels, Amado, Gasper, Cameirão, Lund, Raysla, Martins