Benfica Faces Relegation-Haunted Boavista in Primeira Liga Showdown

Lisbon, Portugal – SL Benfica will host Boavista FC at the Estádio da Luz on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 6 p.m. local time in a crucial Primeira Liga encounter. Benfica, riding high after their recent success in the UEFA Champions League, looks to solidify their position in the title race, while Boavista aims to escape the grips of relegation.

Benfica’s confidence is bolstered by their dramatic 3-3 draw against AS Monaco earlier this week, which secured their place in the Champions League round of 16. The Eagles overcame Monaco with a 4-3 aggregate win, thanks to a late equalizer by Vangelis Pavlidis. This thrilling result followed a pivotal 1-0 victory in France, reinforcing their momentum as they pursue their fourth consecutive league win.

“The win in Monaco has energized the team,” said manager Bruno Lage. “We need to carry that momentum into the league, especially at home, where we have been strong all season.” Currently, Benfica sits in second place in the Primeira Liga with 52 points, just two behind Sporting CP.

Benfica’s home record is formidable, with 10 victories from their 11 matches this season at the Estádio da Luz, where they’ve scored a league-high 34 goals while conceding only eight. They have a perfect seven-match winning streak against Boavista at home, making the odds heavily in favor of the hosts.

Boavista enters the match struggling to find form, having failed to win in their last 12 games. The Chequered Ones are rooted to the bottom of the table, sitting eight points adrift of safety after collecting just 12 points so far this season, with their last league victory in November against Gil Vicente.

The club recently appointed Lito Vidigal as manager following a series of poor results under Cristiano Bacci. Vidigal faces an uphill battle to keep his side in the top flight, especially with their dismal record of only two wins and a lack of scoring prowess, having netted just 14 goals all season.

“We need to turn things around quickly. Time is running out,” acknowledged Vidigal. “This weekend offers a chance to gain critical points.”

In terms of injuries, Benfica will be without key players such as Di María and Florentino Luís, who are recovering from various issues. Additionally, Kökçü’s availability remains uncertain after needing to leave the field during the Monaco match.

On the other side, Boavista will also be missing several players, including Tomás Silva and Augusto Dabó, due to injuries, as they hope their new signings can provide a spark of offense.

The teams have met 134 times across all competitions, with Benfica boasting a decisive advantage, winning 79 of those encounters. In the Primeira Liga context, Benfica has won 72 out of 123 matches played.

With Benfica’s soaring spirits and Boavista’s desperate situation, fans can expect an intense clash this Saturday at the Estádio da Luz, as both teams seek critical points for their respective goals in the league.