Benfica begin their Primeira Liga campaign with a 1-0 win at Estrela da Amadora | OneFootball

Benfica’s 2024/25 Primeira Liga campaign began with a hard fought 1-0 win against Estrela da Amadora.

The first two chances at Estadio José Gomes fell to Samuel Dahl, the left-back firing over the bar and sending another effort narrowly wide.

Amadora got into the game with Alan Godoy breaking clear and seeing his shot deflected wide by Nicolás Otamendi. A clever free kick resulted in Sidny Cabral sending a cross into the box where Atanas Chernev volleyed over the bar from point blank range.

Pavlidis went close to diverting Fredrik Aursnes’ wayward shot on target as chances continued to come at both ends. Gastão forced a save from Anatoliy Trubin and Aursnes picked out Andreas Schjelderup, Luan Patrick recovering to make a crucial block.

The home side had a great chance to take the lead in the 55th minute when Trubin palmed Sidny Cabral’s free kick straight to Godoy, the striker heading wide with the goal at his mercy.

The winning goal came five minutes later when Benfica were awarded a penalty. Franjo Ivanovic was foolishly dragged down by Chernev, referee Hélder Carvalho pointing to the spot where Vangelis Pavlidis smashed the ball down the middle.

Ivanovic looked certain to double the Eagles’ advantage in the 80th minute but Renan Ribeiro had other ideas, the Brazilian goalkeeper making a great save to keep his side in the game.

Amadora had a fantastic chance to steal a point in added time when Ianis Stoica sent Kikas through on goal, the substitute firing over the bar with Trubin to beat.

José Faria watched the game from the grandstand and would have been pleased with his team despite the defeat. Eight players in his starting side were new arrivals including all three centre-backs and both strikers.

Bruno Lage selected the same starting side for a third straight match, his side now facing a tough trip to Turkey where they face José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Champions League play-off first leg.