Benfica heading towards UEFA Europa League playoff after commanding 6-1 victory over Hearts at the Luz | OneFootball

Tomás Araújo celebrates after scoring against Hearts. (Photo: TIAGO PETINGA/LUSA ©)

Benfica 6-1 Hearts

Marco Silva’s reign got off to a shaky start with a defeat in European competition, but since their opening game 2-1 loss to St. Gallen in Switzerland, Benfica have pulled up their socks, reaffirming what a force this talented squad can be on their day. On Thursday, Benfica cruised to a lopsided 6-1 victory that almost certainly cemented their place in the Europa League playoff for a spot in the league phase of the competition.

For the most part, this was a one-sided affair with Benfica controlling the majority of the possession and chances. With 60,000 plus home supporters pushing them on, it seemed like a matter of just how many goals Benfica could put away. Amazingly, six different players were able to etch their names on the scoresheet.  Rafa Silva, Tomás Araújo, Vangelis Pavlidis, Gianluca Prestianni, Jhon Durán and Andreas Schjelderup each recorded a goal on the night.

Silva, Araújo, Pavlidis hand Benfica early advantage

This Hearts side look very different from the team that pushed Celtic to the final day of the Scottish Premier League last season. With numerous top-tier players leaving the Edinburgh giants this summer, it was always going to be an uphill task for the visitors. Benfica took full advantage against the new-look Hearts team that was littered with newcomers with little to no experience at the European level.

It didn’t take long for the Eagles to draw first blood, with veteran midfielder Rafa doing the honours within the first three minutes. A well-worked attack down the right wing led to Barreiro cutting a pass back to Rafa, who simply had to open his foot and place a gently tapped right-footed shot into the back of the net.

Benfica maintained control of the tie, and in the 23rd minute, it was Araújo’s turn. With the recent sale of António Silva to English side Bournemouth, Araújo will be expected to play a huge role in the upcoming season. The central defender has been reliable over the last few years, and his first goal of the campaign in his match will give him plenty of confidence ahead of the upcoming Primeira Liga season, which begins this weekend.

With minutes remaining in the half, Pavlidis added a third. When Laurent Mendy dragged down Prestianni in the box in the 42nd minute, the referee was left with no option but to point to the spot. Once again, it was Pavlidis, the man coming off a four-goal night against St. Gallen, who hammered home to give his side a commanding three-goal advantage.

Hearts did manage a few chances in the first half, with their best opportunity falling to Mendy who was able to latch on to a cross in the 34th minute. His powerful header, though, bounced off the crossbar, leaving Hearts with little hope after a one-sided half.

Benfica pile on in the second half

It was simply more of the same when the second half began. Benfica continued to push forward and play the game at their pace. A beautiful well-placed curling shot from Prestianni in the 58th minute left Hearts’ keeper Beau Reus stretching in vain, earning Benfica their fourth.

Hearts were able to pull one back with Renaud’s right-footed shot finding the left side of the goal in the 72nd minute. That goal, however, was too little too late. While the Edinburgh side tried to push up and balance the tie before the return leg, it only left more space for the Reds.

Substitutes Durán and Schjelderup (from the penalty spot) both managed to find the net before this affair was done, meaning Benfica have averaged a whopping 5.5 goals in their home European matches so far this season.

Benfica and Marco Silva will now look forward to their opening match of the Liga season against Académico de Viseu on Sunday.

Benfica Starting 11: Samuel Soares, Alexander Bah, Tomás Araújo, Clément Lenglet, Samuel Dahl, Leandro Barreiro, Enzo Barrenechea, Gianluca Prestianni, Rafa Silva, Georgiy Sudakov, Vangelis Pavlidis