Santa Clara vs Benfica — match summary
Portugal · Liga Portugal · kick-off 27 Oct 2026 01:45
Full time · score 1-2
pPS pre-match readiness (0-100): Santa Clara 37 · Benfica 68
mPS in-play performance (0-100): Santa Clara 47 · Benfica 33
Shots on target 6-3 · corners 2-3 · possession 39-61
NextGOAL tip: Benfica -1.25 · 1 stars
Santa Clara and Benfica meet so often they know each other well, and the results have mostly ended up on Benfica's side throughout, including the most recent match where Santa Clara lost at home 1-2. But this time the home side's form looks different. They are still unbeaten in the league this season and just thrashed 4-0 at home early in September. Santa Clara come in with a tight defense, conceding only 4 goals in 8 matches, and are unbeaten in 5 straight. Benfica, meanwhile, are on a 3-match winning run, scoring freely, especially in Europe where they just thrashed their opponents 4-1 in two consecutive matches. Their attack is clearly hotter than early in the season. If Benfica score first, the game will likely flow their way, because Santa Clara will be forced to open up and trade blows, which is exactly when Benfica are at their best playing in space. But if the hosts can hold out until half-time, the game could turn into one where both wait for their moment and it is decided by fine margins late on.