The historic Estádio da Luz prepares for a David-vs-Goliath clash this Sunday, February 8, 2026, as Benfica welcomes newly promoted Alverca in Matchday 21 of the Liga Portugal. While the "Eagles" are soaring under the leadership of José Mourinho, Alverca arrives in Lisbon hoping to recapture the spirit of their famous 1999 upset.
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: Torres Bessa (Expected)
Pre-Match Analysis
Benfica: The Mourinho Momentum
Since José Mourinho took the helm in September 2025, Benfica has become a tactical juggernaut. Currently sitting in 3rd place (46 points), they are the only team in the league still unbeaten (13 wins, 7 draws). The "Special One" has transformed the Luz into a fortress, and fresh off a massive 4-2 Champions League win over Real Madrid, confidence in the camp is sky-high.
The Eagles’ attack is spearheaded by the league’s top scorer, Vangelis Pavlidis, who has already netted 19 goals. With a midfield anchored by the tireless Fredrik Aursnes, Benfica aims to squeeze the life out of Alverca and keep pressure on leaders Porto and Sporting.
Alverca: The Underdog’s Fight
Managed by Custódio, Alverca has been one of the season's pleasant surprises. Currently 10th in the table (24 points), they have transitioned well to the top flight after their promotion. However, consistency has been an issue; they arrive in Lisbon following a 1-1 draw against Estrela da Amadora and a heavy 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Braga.
Alverca’s survival strategy relies heavily on the veteran presence of Sandro Lima and the creative spark of Lincoln, who leads the team in big chances created. They famously pushed Benfica to the limit in the reverse fixture earlier this season, narrowly losing 2-1, and will be looking to capitalize on any signs of fatigue from the hosts' European exploits.
Team News & Injury Reports
Benfica Team News
Out: The defense is hit by a minor crisis with Alexander Bah and Amar Dedić sidelined. Midfielders Richard Ríos, Dodi Lukebakio, and João Veloso are also out.
Transfer Note: Young defender Diogo Spencer recently completed a permanent move from Benfica to Alverca and could face his former teammates immediately.
Player to Watch: Vangelis Pavlidis. The Greek striker is in the form of his life and needs just one goal to reach the 20-goal mark for the season.
Alverca Team News
Out: André Paulo, Léo Chú, Stéphane Diarra, and Tomás Mendes are all ruled out through injury.
Returning: Nabil Touaizi and Amorim are expected to anchor the midfield.
Player to Watch: Marko Milovanović. The Serbian forward is the team's top threat with 5 goals and will be tasked with testing a makeshift Benfica backline.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Benfica (4-3-3):
Trubin; Spencer, António Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Aursnes, Florentino, Kökçü; Amdouni, Pavlidis, Schjelderup.
Alverca (4-2-3-1):
André Gomes; Naves, Meupiyou, Sergi Gómez, Julián Martínez; Amorim, Sabit; Lincoln, Chiquinho, Sandro Lima; Milovanović.
Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
Reverse Fixture: Benfica won 2-1 away at Alverca in August 2025.
Home Fortress: Benfica is ranked 3rd for home performance this season, having conceded only 11 goals in 20 matches.
Scoring Streak: Benfica has scored 10 goals in their last five outings across all competitions.
Alverca's Struggle: Alverca has lost 5 of their last 6 away games in the league.
Prediction: Benfica 3–0 Alverca
While Alverca has shown they can be stubborn, Mourinho’s Benfica is in "ruthless mode." The gulf in quality and bench depth, combined with the electric atmosphere of a night game at the Luz, should be too much for the visitors. Pavlidis is likely to find the scoresheet again as the Eagles secure a comfortable victory to keep their title hopes alive.
Top Betting Tips:
Match Result: Benfica to win (-1.5 Handicap). 2. Anytime Scorer: Vangelis Pavlidis. His stats suggest he is nearly guaranteed a chance at home.
Total Goals: Over 2.5. Benfica's attack has been relentless lately, especially following their 4-goal haul against Real Madrid.
