Benfica stay perfect in Europe with 3-1 win over Lech Poznan

 

Benfica made it four wins from four matches in the Europa League league phase, beating Lech Poznan 3-1 in Lisbon. The victory lifts Marco Silva's side to 12 points, level with Bournemouth and Ferencvaros at the top of the standings, while Lech remain on a single point.

A Fast Start

The hosts needed only six minutes to take the lead in the game. Andreas Schjelderup whipped in a low cross from the left that the visiting keeper failed to hold and Rafa Silva pounced on the rebound to score from close range. With the early goal in hand, Benfica dominated possession and kept Lech pinned back, leaving the Poles to look for chances on the break.

Substitutes Make the Difference 

The game opened up after the hour mark. Gianluca Prestianni was one of three changes in the 62nd minute for Benfica and he needed just five minutes to make his mark, finishing a sharp individual move after a pass from Georgiy Sudakov to make it 2-0 for the home side. Lech though refused to fold. In the 72nd minute, Leo Bengtsson capitalised on a mistake from Enzo Barrenechea to halve the deficit and set up a tense finish at the Luz.

Sudakov Seals It

Benfica restored their cushion with the game winding down. Sudakov raced onto a counter-attack in the 90th minute and finished the game off, adding a goal to his earlier assist and earning a fully deserved man of the match. For Benfica, the result keeps them on course for a top-eight finish and a direct place in the round of 16. For Lech Poznan, who lead the Polish league at home, Europe remains a struggle, with no win in four matches.

Benfica to hold firm in January, no starters to be sold

Benfica are reportedly preparing to hold firm when the winter transfer window opens in January. The club does not plan to sell any of their starters during the winter window. With President Rui Costa intent on preserving the core of the squad. Decisions on possible exits are due to be revisited at a later stage.

This policy protects two of the club's most coveted players. Striker Vangelis Pavlidis has drawn Tottenham's attention, but Marco Silva is said to regard keeping him as a priority. His contract carries a €100m clause, a figure that signals the scale of any commitment, even if Benfica might negotiate below it.

Winger Gianluca Prestianni sits in the same bracket. He is contracted until 2029 and has a reported €100 million release clause, though that does not necessarily represent the fee required for a transfer. Tottenham, Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid are all linked. Benfica are also strengthening their position with the player, as talks over a new contract until 2031 have begun.

For potential suitors, the message is clear, Benfica will only negotiate on their key players in the starting XI with offers approaching the valuations of the said players. The conversations are unlikely to pass any inquiring stage if this term is not met.

E Pluribus Unum: The Eagle Reclaims Its Banner

 

Club president Rui Costa unveiled Benfica's new emblem at the General Assembly on Saturday, October 31, at the Estadio da Luz complex. It will debut on new membership cards issued after the renumbering process, then spread gradually across the club. Benfica says the new identity will be phased in across official touch points, stadium facilities and future kit collections.

The changes are subtle but meaningful. The eagle takes on a more golden tone and grips the banner bearing “E Pluribus Unum”. The bicycle wheel rim switches from white to gold and the red-and-white shield is slightly wider. The look is more classic, inspired by the crest used between 1973 and 1999 and the eagle holding the banner is a detail supporters had long requested. 

The update was prompted by the club’s new statutes, approved on March 8 2025. It is a respectful refinement that restores traditional details rather than a radical rebrand and it aligns the crest with the official description in the club’s rulebook. It also fits a wider push to protect the club’s identity. New kit guidelines require the original full-colour emblem rather than monochrome versions and they take effect from the 2026-27 season onward.