Benfica talisman Pavlidis hits hat-trick to keep momentum | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: Benfica beat Estoril 3-1 in Liga Portugal. Evangelos Pavlidis converted from the spot in the 34th minute after VAR confirmed the penalty. On the stroke of half time, he added a second from a Leandro Martins through ball in the first minute of first half stoppage time, before Joao Carvalho replied in the third minute of first half stoppage time. Águias registered 20 attempts to Estoril's nine and forced seven corners to three as they controlled territory. Encarnados remain third and now face Braga in the Taça Da Liga semi-finals next, while Estoril visit Estrela Amadora in the league.

Player of the Match: Evangelos Pavlidis decided the game with a clinical hat-trick, converting a penalty, adding a first half strike and sealing it late, from four attempts and three on target.

Stat of the Match: Evangelos Pavlidis scored three goals from four attempts, a ruthless edge that proved the difference.

Three Things We Learned: VAR confirmed the spot kick for Águias, and the penalty was converted to set the tone. Amar Dedic created four key passes to drive the hosts' chance supply. Estoril produced four shots on target from nine attempts and three corners, but they generated fewer efforts than Águias' 20.