In the third round of the Taça de Portugal on October 17, 2025, Benfica secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Chaves at the Estádio Municipal de Chaves, advancing to the next stage of the competition. The Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis was the standout performer, scoring both goals that sealed the win for the Portuguese champions.
From early on, Benfica dominated possession and dictated the game’s tempo, looking to impose their quality against a resilient Chaves side that focused on a solid defensive structure and quick counter-attacks. The breakthrough came early in the 8th minute when Pavlidis capitalized on a defensive lapse in the home team, demonstrating excellent positioning to slot home the opener.
Chaves tried to respond by pressing higher and attempting to exploit spaces left by Benfica’s attacking plays. However, the visitors’ organization and discipline thwarted these efforts, frustrating Chaves throughout the match. Benfica’s midfield controlled the rhythm, while their defense, led by Rúben Dias, remained resolute in protecting the narrow lead.
In the second half, the flow of the contest remained largely unchanged. Benfica pressed for a second goal to settle the match, while Chaves continued to rely on counter-attacks and set pieces in search of an equalizer. It was in the 79th minute that Pavlidis again made the difference, timing his run perfectly to latch on to a precise through ball from the midfield and calmly finish to double Benfica’s advantage.
The win marks a strong statement from Benfica under new manager José Mourinho, who expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance: “Our team played with intensity and focus, which was crucial to overcoming a determined Chaves side. I am pleased with how the players executed our game plan,” Mourinho said after the match.
The result sends Benfica comfortably into the fourth round of the Portugal Cup, keeping alive their ambition of securing domestic silverware alongside their league campaign. For Chaves, despite the loss, the experience against a top-tier team is valuable, highlighting areas for improvement as they continue their league season.
Fans witnessed a display of tactical discipline and clinical finishing by Benfica, with Pavlidis’s brace reaffirming his growing importance to the team. The match also underscored Mourinho’s tactical acumen in navigating knockout cup ties under pressure.
Looking ahead, Benfica will now prepare for upcoming league fixtures and the next round of the Taça de Portugal, focusing on maintaining momentum. Chaves will regroup to reinforce both defensive solidity and attacking sharpness as they aim to climb their league standings.
In summary, Benfica’s 2-0 victory over Chaves showcased their quality and resilience, with Pavlidis’s goals proving decisive in a tactical contest that reflected the intense competitiveness of Portuguese cup football.
