The historic Estádio da Luz prepares for a classic "David vs. Goliath" clash this Sunday, February 8, 2026, as Benfica welcomes newly-promoted Alverca in Matchday 21 of Liga Portugal. While the hosts look to maintain their chase for the title, Alverca arrives in Lisbon aiming to defy the odds in their first top-flight visit to the capital in over two decades.
Match Details
Fixture: SL Benfica vs. FC Alverca
Competition: Liga Portugal (Matchday 21)
Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
Time: 20:30 UTC / 20:30 WET
Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
Referee: Bruno Costa
Pre-Match Analysis
Benfica: The Mourinho Factor
Under the leadership of the "Special One," José Mourinho, Benfica is enjoying a resurgence. Currently sitting in 3rd place (46 points), the Eagles remain firmly in the title hunt, trailing leaders Porto. They enter this fixture with high confidence following a massive 4-2 Champions League win over Real Madrid in late January, although they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Tondela last weekend.
Mourinho has instilled a pragmatic yet lethal edge to the side. At home, Benfica has been dominant, scoring 10 goals in their last five outings. With Vangelis Pavlidis leading the league's scoring charts, the Eagles will look to assert dominance early against an Alverca side that has struggled on the road.
Alverca: Survival and Spirit
Managed by Custódio Castro, Alverca has been a breath of fresh air since their promotion. Currently holding 10th place (24 points), they have transitioned well to the top flight. However, consistency has been an issue; they arrive in Lisbon following a 1-1 draw against Estrela da Amadora and a heavy 5-0 loss to Braga.
Custódio’s side relies on the creative spark of Lincoln, who has created the most big chances for the team this season (6), and the aerial threat of Sandro Lima. Facing Benfica at the Luz is their ultimate test, especially as they look to avenge a narrow 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture back in August.
Team News & Injury Reports
Benfica Team News
Out: The defense is hit by injuries to Alexander Bah and Amar Dedić. Midfielders Richard Ríos, João Veloso, and Dodi Lukebakio are also sidelined. Backup keeper Samuel Soares is unavailable.
Player to Watch: Vangelis Pavlidis. With 19 league goals this season, the Greek striker is in the form of his life and will be the focal point of every attack.
Alverca Team News
Out: Alverca suffers a major double blow. Midfielder Sabit Abdulai is injured, and goalkeeper André Gomes is ineligible as he is on loan from Benfica. André Paulo, Stéphane Diarra, Léo Chú, and Tomás Mendes are also out.
Managerial Challenge: With the winter departure of Alex Amorim to Genoa and Abdulai's injury, Custódio must field a completely revamped midfield.
Player to Watch: Marko Milovanović. The young forward will be tasked with testing a Benfica backline that has occasionally looked vulnerable on the counter.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Benfica (4-3-3):
Trubin; Issa Kaboré, António Silva, Otamendi, Álvaro Carreras; Florentino, Aursnes, Kökçü; Amdouni, Pavlidis, Kerem Aktürkoğlu.
Alverca (4-2-3-1):
Matheus Mendes; Naves, Meupiyou, Sergi Gómez, Martínez; Janvier, Nabil Touaizi; Lincoln, Sandro Lima, Chiquinho; Milovanović.
Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
Reverse Fixture: Benfica won 2-1 away at Alverca in August 2025.
Home Strength: Benfica is ranked 3rd at home this season in terms of points collected.
Top Scorer: Pavlidis (Benfica) leads the league with 19 goals.
Alverca's Struggle: Alverca has lost 5 of their last 6 away games across all competitions.
Prediction: Benfica 3–0 Alverca
Despite the tactical prowess of Custódio, the combination of Benfica’s home advantage and the depth of talent under Mourinho should be too much for the visitors. With Alverca missing their first-choice keeper and key midfield anchors, expect Pavlidis to add to his tally as the Eagles secure a comfortable victory to keep pressure on the top two.
Top Betting Tips:
Match Result: Benfica Win. 2. Anytime Scorer: Vangelis Pavlidis. He is the focal point of a team that creates high-volume chances.
Total Goals: Over 2.5. Benfica's attack has been relentless late
