Benfica stumble in season opener with 2-2 draw against Académico de Viseu at empty Estádio da Luz

Season opener ends in frustration

Benfica began their Liga Portugal Betclic campaign with a 2-2 draw against newly-promoted Académico de Viseu at the Estádio da Luz on Sunday, playing behind closed doors. The result marked the club's 14th opening-round slip in the 21st century and the fourth consecutive season starting with a stumble, with two defeats in that negative series. For Académico de Viseu, it was the first time in six visits to the Estádio da Luz that they left with points. Referee David Silva officiated the match.

Marco Silva's post-match assessment

Benfica coach Marco Silva expressed frustration with the defensive lapses that cost his side two points, despite creating what he considered sufficient chances to win. The team hit the woodwork three times and managed 15 shots with one goal in the first half alone. Silva acknowledged the impact of playing without fans but refused to use it as justification, noting that the empty-stadium decision was already taken and planned.

Frustrating result and we have to assume it. We can't concede goals the way we conceded.

He elaborated on the specific defensive failures, noting that the team conceded from a corner and from a cross with a misplaced defensive line. Silva stressed that individual duels must be an advantage for a team of Benfica's stature, not a disadvantage, and that the way his side conceded concerned him more than the finishing.

Individual performances

Vangelis Pavlidis continued his scoring form, finding the net for the third consecutive game, a streak he had not achieved in 11 months. The Greek striker joined Mats Magnusson (1989/90) and Ricky (1988/89) as the only Benfica players to score six or more goals in the first four matches of a season over the last 50 years. Gianluca Prestianni added his second goal of the season in as many games, leaving him one short of matching his entire tally from the previous campaign of three goals. It was the first time the Argentine international scored in consecutive matches as a professional. Goalkeeper Ewerton recorded eight saves, the best single-match total in the Primeira Liga so far.

Tactical approach and what comes next

Silva explained that Benfica prepared for Académico de Viseu's five-man defensive line in a medium-low block, using Prestianni's ability to find spaces in one-on-one situations and link with Sudakov and Dahl. The coach noted that his positional setup will feature a single striker in over 90 percent of cases, though he introduced a second forward, Duran, alongside Andreas after withdrawing Rafa in the second half to add width.

In the first half the game should have been resolved.

Silva said the team reacted well to the first equaliser by scoring to make it 2-1, but called for the solidity expected of a top club. He added that two goals at home should suffice for a win if the team does not concede the way it did. Académico de Viseu coach Bruno Pinheiro acknowledged that the absence of fans favoured his side. Benfica's next fixture is on Thursday, followed by another league match.