Watch out, Suárez! Pavlidis chases award as Benfica believe | OneFootball

Benfica is once again backing Vangelis Pavlidis for the decisive stage of the league, with the Greek forward set to return to the starting XI in the upcoming match against Moreirense. The intention is clear: to relaunch the “number 14” in the race for the top scorer title. On the other side, Luis Suárez remains in front, putting pressure on the Reds to respond.

The battle for the golden boot is intense, with Pavlidis on 21 goals and Suárez leading with 24. For much of the season, the two took turns at the top, in a head-to-head duel that has shaped the league’s narrative. Even so, the Colombian has recently gained an edge, taking advantage of a less productive spell from the Greek.

In the last few matches, the numbers help explain the imbalance. The Greek has scored only once in the last eight rounds. Meanwhile, Sporting’s striker has netted nine goals in nine games, showing impressive consistency.

Pavlidis’ return comes at a strategic moment, with the forward facing Moreirense again, the opponent against whom he scored a hat-trick in the first half of the league season. This positive record could be an important asset in restoring the 27-year-old’s confidence.

This season, for Benfica, Vangelis Pavlidis - valued at €32 million - has already made 50 official appearances: 30 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 14 in the Champions League, three in the Portuguese Cup, two in the League Cup and one in the Super Cup. In the 4,050 minutes he has been on the pitch, the Greek has scored 29 goals and provided five assists.

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