Vangelis Pavlidis had a memorable night on Sunday with Benfica during their visit to rival FC Porto. He became the first Benfica player ever to score three times away at Porto and was praised afterwards.
In the rich history between Benfica and FC Porto, only two Benfica players had previously managed to score three times in a single encounter: Rui Águas in 1987 and Pizzi in 2011.
However, both of those memorable performances took place in Lisbon, on home turf, where the Eagles have always felt more comfortable asserting their dominance. What Vangelis Pavlidis achieved on Sunday night went beyond merely finding the net three times; it shattered records and established a new benchmark for future generations of Benfica players.
Vangelis Pavlidis etched his name into the history books by becoming the first Benfica player ever to score a hat-trick at the Estádio do Dragão, FC Porto’s formidable fortress. His incredible performance was instrumental in Benfica’s emphatic 4-1 victory, a statement win that has further cemented their status as the front-runners in the Primeira Liga title race. Pavlidis’s goals came at critical moments, showcasing his clinical finishing, intelligence, and composure under pressure.
Sports newspaper A Bola paid tribute to his dazzling display, praising the Greek striker’s brilliance with poetic flair. “Surrounded by stars, Pavlidis touched the heavens,” the publication wrote, reflecting the sense of awe his performance inspired. “What a night for the goalscorer, who made history. He received a warm applause from the Benfica fans when he was substituted for Andrea Belotti, and it was well deserved.” Such adulation from the travelling supporters only emphasized how special the night had been for Pavlidis.
The 24-year-old Greek forward, who arrived at Benfica last summer amid modest expectations, has quickly become a pivotal figure in the club’s attacking setup. His ability to combine powerful runs, sharp positioning, and lethal finishing has made him a nightmare for defenders throughout the league. With this performance, Pavlidis has now scored fourteen goals in the Primeira Liga this season, an impressive tally that highlights his importance to Bruno Lage’s team.
Sports daily Record was equally effusive in its praise but also noted Porto’s defensive fragility. “It became the night of the Greek God,” the newspaper proclaimed, alluding to Pavlidis’s unstoppable presence on the pitch. Record further commented that FC Porto had “laid out a blue carpet for the deadly Eagles,” referring to the hosts’ inability to contain Benfica’s attacking threat. Porto’s usually resilient backline appeared disorganized and overrun by the creativity and dynamism displayed by Benfica’s forwards.
Pavlidis’s impact on the match was not limited to his goals. His movement off the ball and his link-up play with teammates Gabriel Jesus, João Mário, and Rafa Silva were instrumental in destabilizing FC Porto’s defensive structure. Bruno Lage’s tactical setup allowed Pavlidis to exploit spaces left by Porto’s aggressive pressing, and the Greek forward capitalized on these opportunities with ruthless efficiency.
Speaking to Sport TV after the match, Pavlidis was quick to deflect individual praise and focus on the team’s collective effort. “It was a very special day for me, but actually for the whole team. We played really well. Was this a dream night for me? Yes, you could definitely say that,” he admitted with a broad smile. The Greek striker emphasized that his main objective remains helping Benfica secure the Primeira Liga title. “But we’re not looking too far ahead. We still have six matches to go, and they are all equally important.”
Despite his humility, Pavlidis’s performance was undeniably the highlight of the night. His hat-trick against FC Porto not only demonstrated his individual quality but also reinforced Benfica’s credentials as genuine title contenders. With six games remaining, Benfica leads the Primeira Liga standings, three points ahead of second-placed Sporting Portugal, who have a game in hand. The title race remains tight, but this victory at the Estádio do Dragão has undoubtedly boosted Benfica’s confidence.
Benfica manager Bruno Lage also made history on Sunday, becoming the first Portuguese coach of Benfica to win both home and away against FC Porto in a single season. The last manager to accomplish such a feat was Ronald Koeman in the 2005/06 season, a testament to the magnitude of Lage’s achievement. Under his leadership, Benfica has developed a more dynamic and resilient playing style, blending experienced players with emerging talents like Pavlidis.
After the match, Lage was effusive in his praise for the Greek forward but was keen to emphasize the collective nature of Benfica’s success. “He has done a lot of important work for us. It’s crucial to have players who score a lot of goals, but ultimately, this was above all a true team performance,” Lage said during his post-match interview. The coach’s words highlighted the unity and determination within the squad, attributes that have been essential to their impressive campaign so far.
Lage’s tactical approach against FC Porto was both bold and effective. By encouraging his team to press high and transition quickly, he disrupted Porto’s build-up play and forced errors from their defenders. Pavlidis was the ideal spearhead for this aggressive strategy, consistently finding space between Porto’s center-backs and exploiting it with devastating precision.
This victory further cements Benfica’s position as the leading contender for the Primeira Liga title, but Lage’s cautious approach reflects his understanding of the challenges ahead. With Sporting Portugal still within striking distance, the race is far from over. However, Benfica’s triumph at the Estádio do Dragão will surely be remembered as a pivotal moment in their season.
Pavlidis’s hat-trick also sparked discussion about his growing reputation across Europe. Scouts from various top clubs have reportedly been monitoring his progress, and performances like this will only enhance his appeal. Despite the speculation, Pavlidis remains focused on his current objectives. “I just want to help the team achieve its goals,” he said when asked about his future. “The rest will come naturally.”
Benfica’s supporters will be hoping that Pavlidis continues to deliver at this high level as the season reaches its climax. His heroics at the Estádio do Dragão have not only secured a crucial victory but have also provided a moment of pure joy and inspiration for the club’s fans. For Vangelis Pavlidis, the night of April 8th will be remembered as the moment he truly arrived on the biggest stage in Portuguese football.
