João Gonçalves appointed to referee Gil Vicente v Benfica after Braga draw controversy

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·25 February 2026

João Gonçalves appointed to referee Gil Vicente v Benfica after Braga draw controversy

The Portuguese Football Federation’s refereeing council announced on Wednesday, 25 February, that João Gonçalves will officiate Gil Vicente v Benfica on matchday 24 of the Liga Portugal Betclic.

Gonçalves, from the Porto Football Association, will be assisted by Pedro Ribeiro and Miguel Martins. Vítor Lopes is the fourth official, with Tiago Martins as VAR and Pedro Felisberto as AVAR.

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Benfica supporters recall his handling of the 2-2 draw away to Braga, when he gave an attacking foul on Vítor Carvalho and a Benfica goal that would have made it 3-2 was ruled out following VAR intervention.

Nicolás Otamendi later criticised the officiating.

Benfica visit Gil Vicente on Monday, two March. Kick-off is at 20:15 at Estádio Cidade de Barcelos, with César Peixoto’s side the hosts.

Source: Glorioso 1904