Decisive figure sets Benfica on their way at Santa Clara | OneFootball

Evangelos Pavlidis opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a close-range header, setting Benfica up for a 2-1 win at Santa Clara. He tops the Liga Portugal scoring chart with 20 this season.

Meeting Tomás Araújo's cross, the Greece striker found room in the six-yard area and glanced home from point-blank range (16.).

He then carved out the next big opening, threading a pass for Gianluca Prestianni, whose effort from the left of the six-yard box missed the target (38.).

Pavlidis stayed busy after the break, heading wide from an Andreas Schjelderup delivery as the Águias continued to attack the penalty area (43.).

He finished with two attempts, one on target, two chances created, five touches in the box and four ball recoveries, underlining how the Encarnados' focal point linked moves and occupied centre-backs.

The Águias host Real Madrid in the Champions League next. Santa Clara visit Alverca next.