Benfica signing shines, but is injured; lay-off time unclear | OneFootball

Benfica B got off to a winning start in the 2026/27 Segunda Liga, beating Leixões 1-0 in a match closely watched by Marco Silva, who was in the stands at Benfica Campus Pitch No. 1. The win was marked by Francisco Neto's goal as early as the sixth minute, but also by several individual performances that could catch the first team's attention.

The biggest concern, however, came even before half-time. Gabriel Índio, a signing for this season and one of the standout names in the starting XI for the match, was forced off after a fall left him complaining of pain in his left arm. The 18-year-old centre-back tried to change direction in a move near the touchline, lost his balance and fell, finishing the match with his arm in a sling. Rui Silva came on in his place at the start of the second half, and it remains to be seen how long the young Brazilian defender will be sidelined.

Despite the setback, Nélson Veríssimo's side managed to protect the early lead. Tiago Freitas performed well linking the lines, and Francisco Neto responded with a low, accurate and powerful shot that beat Stefanovic. At the other end, Leixões responded and created danger, even hitting the post through a direct free-kick from José Bica, but they were unable to find the back of the net.

The standout performer was Diogo Ferreira. The 19-year-old goalkeeper was crucial in preserving the narrow lead, especially in the 59th minute, when he denied Cláudio Araújo with a save that had goal written all over it. The stop ended up being one of the images of the afternoon and confirmed the promising signs shown by the young keeper, who is emerging as competition for Anatoliy Trubin - who could be loaned out - and Samuel Soares.

In the closing stages, Leixões took control of the game and kept up the pressure, but the Eagles held on until the final whistle. The result allows Benfica B to start the season with three points against one of the sides considered strongest in Liga 2. For Marco Silva, however, Gabriel Índio's situation now deserves special attention, at a time when António Silva's replacement in the centre of the first team's defence has yet to be announced.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.