Match Preview: Benfica vs CF Os Belenenses – Friendlies Clubs

Benfica Seeks Repeat Performance Against Bruised Belenenses

The echoes of a comprehensive defeat still ringing, CF Os Belenenses face the unenviable task of a rapid rematch against Benfica, less than 24 hours after suffering a humbling 5-1 loss. That emphatic result, delivered by Benfica in a friendly just yesterday, sets a stark precedent for this evening’s encounter. For Benfica, it was a timely demonstration of their attacking prowess and a valuable confidence booster amidst a mixed run of pre-season results. For Belenenses, it was a brutal reality check, highlighting significant defensive vulnerabilities that will need immediate addressing if they are to avoid another one-sided affair.

Match Details

• Competition: Friendlies Clubs
• Venue: None, None
• Kick-off: Friday, 24 July 2026 • 18:00 UK Time
• Referee: None

Current Form

Benfica arrive with a form chart showing two wins and two losses in their last four friendly outings, punctuated by the 5-1 dismantling of Belenenses yesterday. Before that, they fell 1-2 to FC St. Gallen in a UEFA Europa League fixture, a result that might still smart, but was somewhat offset by a solid 2-0 victory over Villarreal. They also suffered a 1-2 defeat to Flamengo, indicating that while their attacking machinery can fire, there are still areas to tighten up against quality opposition. Their previous Primeira Liga outing saw them dispatch Estoril 3-1, showcasing their domestic dominance.

CF Os Belenenses, by contrast, are in a perilous slump, underscored by their recent 1-5 thrashing by Benfica. Their friendly form has been particularly grim, with another 1-2 loss to Alverca preceding the Benfica encounter. Looking further back, their Segunda Liga performances were also concerning, failing to score in two consecutive matches against Farense (a 0-0 draw and a 0-1 loss), before a 3-1 win over Mafra in Liga 3 offered a rare moment of respite. The pattern suggests a team struggling for defensive stability and consistent offensive output.

Team News

With no major injuries reported for either side, both Benfica and CF Os Belenenses are expected to have full squads available. Given the rapid turnaround from yesterday's fixture and the friendly nature of the competition, significant squad rotation is highly probable, especially for Benfica. This could mean opportunities for players like F. Ivanović or G. Prestianni in attack, alongside established names such as A. Cabral or V. Pavlidis. In midfield, M. Figueiredo or R. Rios might see extended minutes to build match sharpness. For Belenenses, the focus will be on finding a combination that can offer greater defensive compactness, perhaps seeing Guilherme Oliveira or Gonçalo Filipe in goal, or adjustments to the backline involving Jorge Teixeira or Nuno Tomás to stem the flow of goals.

Head to Head

While formal historical head-to-head records are not provided, the most recent encounter between these two sides offers a stark and immediate indication of the chasm in quality. Benfica’s 5-1 victory yesterday against Belenenses leaves little room for ambiguity regarding current superiority. That match demonstrated Benfica's ability to ruthlessly exploit defensive weaknesses, converting chances with clinical precision. For Belenenses, it was a bruising experience, offering a direct tactical blueprint of what went wrong and what must change. The psychological impact of such a comprehensive defeat, so fresh in the memory, will be a significant factor in how both teams approach this quickfire rematch.

Tactical Breakdown

The tactical narrative of this friendly will undoubtedly be shaped by yesterday's 5-1 result. Benfica, under the guidance of players like F. Aursnes and H. Sudakov in midfield, dominated possession and transitions, creating overloads in the wide channels and half-spaces. Their attacking talent, including the likes of D. Lukebakio, A. Schjelderup, and goal threats like V. Pavlidis, consistently found routes in