Match Info

Competition: Primeira Liga — Gameweek 2

Date: August 17, 2026

Time: 20:15 (GMT+1) / August 18, 03:15 (GMT+7)

Venue: Estádio Pina Manique

Casa Pia Preview

Casa Pia return home determined to recover from a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Maritimo in their opening league fixture. Filipe Coelho has taken over as head coach and faces the challenge of steering the club toward a more comfortable campaign after they finished 16th last season before surviving the relegation playoffs. Their home record was a major weakness last term, with Casa Pia winning just two of 17 league matches at Rio Maior. However, they have reason for optimism against Benfica after going unbeaten in their last three meetings with the Eagles, including two draws last season. Former Benfica players Andre Gomes and Henrique Araujo could also feature against their old club.

Benfica Preview

Benfica's first Primeira Liga match under new head coach Marco Silva ended in frustration as they surrendered an early lead twice to draw 2-2 with newly promoted Academico de Viseu. The result continued a worrying pattern from last season, when Benfica were held to 11 league draws despite remaining unbeaten throughout the campaign. The Eagles have nevertheless avoided defeat in their last 50 Primeira Liga matches, while they also progressed comfortably through their Europa League qualifying tie against Hearts. Vangelis Pavlidis remains the key attacking threat after scoring 20 league goals last season and finding the net six times in his last four appearances. Prestianni also impressed with a goal and an assist against Hearts.

Probable Lineups

Casa Pia (4-2-3-1)

Gomes; Geraldes, Kaly, Sousa, Conte; Perez, Ofori; Rochinha, Gabi, Prieto; Araujo

Benfica (4-2-3-1)

Trubin; Bah, Araujo, Lenglet, Dahl; Barreiro, Rios; Schjelderup, Rafa Silva, Prestianni; Pavlidis (sportsmole.co.uk)

We Say

Casa Pia have already demonstrated that they can frustrate Benfica, and their recent unbeaten record against the Eagles should give the hosts confidence. However, Benfica have considerably greater squad depth and attacking quality, while Pavlidis is entering the match in excellent goalscoring form. Silva's side should therefore be expected to control much of the contest, although Casa Pia could make life uncomfortable.