Benfica Seeks Victory Against Vitoria Guimaraes After Porto Defeat

Benfica returns to Portuguese league action against Vitoria Guimaraes at Estadio da Luz on Sunday, October 11, 2026, seeking to recover from a 3-1 defeat against FC Porto. Coach Marco Silva faces a demanding preparation period following the international break, while Tiago Margarido's visiting side aims to capitalize on its attacking improvements and challenge Benfica's long-standing home dominance.

According to Portuguese outlets CM Jornal and A Bola, Benfica must manage player fatigue, reintegrate international players and adjust its lineup. Vitoria Guimaraes, meanwhile, scored seven goals in friendly matches during the break, giving Margarido additional confidence ahead of the encounter scheduled for 6 p.m. local time.

Silva acknowledged that Benfica's immediate priority has shifted following the loss to Porto, which left the team needing to recover ground in the league standings.

"Before the previous round, we had the clear objective of moving into first place. At this point, although it may be harder to look at the standings, the only solution is to win games. We must face the situation directly, and the only solution is to win, improve as a team and establish a clear identity," Silva said at his pre-match news conference.

The international break complicated preparations because several players returned at different times, limiting the coach's ability to work with his full squad. Silva said the team had spent much of the period training with only six senior players alongside members of Benfica's B team.

"If I could have avoided the international break, I would have. It is difficult to spend two or three weeks without competition, especially after the result we had. We wanted to play again quickly and feel the adrenaline," Silva said.

The coach also highlighted the physical demands placed on international players, some of whom completed four matches in 15 days. Travel, time-zone changes and limited collective training have made rebuilding the team's routines a priority.

"We have to bring them back together and remind them of some of our principles. Even though all the players know them, when they do not have regular training routines, some things inevitably become less consistent," Silva said.

Silva stressed that the remaining preparation time would focus on concentration, performance levels and intensity.

"Our job is to work within the time available, remind the players what matters most, which is focus, and once again reach the performance levels and intensity we want," he said.

Benfica will also have to adjust its defense because Clement Lenglet is suspended following his dismissal against Porto. A Bola identified Circati as the likely replacement, while Leandro Barreiro could challenge captain Fredrik Aursnes for a midfield position after Aursnes' demanding international schedule.

Winger Dodi Lukebakio returned from international duty in strong form, potentially strengthening Benfica's attacking options. Georgiy Sudakov has been dealing with physical problems after returning from international duty, leaving Silva to consider changes to the supporting line behind striker Vangelis Pavlidis. Rafa and Prestianni are also candidates for attacking roles.

Silva rejected suggestions that Vitoria Guimaraes would be an easier opponent than in previous seasons, pointing to the visitors' motivation and Benfica's own need to respond.

"It is difficult to make that assessment, and it would be a mistake to approach it that way. If Vitoria wants to respond to a poor start to the season, we must respond to a bad result of our own," Silva said.

The Benfica coach also praised goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin for his international performances and welcomed Samuel Soares' national-team call-up, despite the latter not playing.

"We are pleased that Trubin delivered good performances. Samu did not play, but the national team's first-choice goalkeeper may be one of the best in the world. Samu is happy to have been called up, and we are also pleased that they placed their trust in him," Silva said.

Addressing a controversy involving the national team, Silva declined to comment because he did not have all the relevant information. He expressed hope that the situation would be resolved appropriately.

"I hope things are resolved in the best possible way for the country," Silva said.

Vitoria Guimaraes coach Tiago Margarido said the international break provided an opportunity to improve his team's finishing and attacking work in the final third. The seven goals scored in friendly matches included two each from Victor Andersson and Camara, while Miguel Nogueira also found the net.

Margarido believes his team has moved beyond its earlier scoring difficulties and expects the improvement to continue.

"I am absolutely certain that we have already moved past that phase," Margarido said.

The coach expects the team's improved attacking performance to translate into more goals during competitive matches.

"From now on, the goals will come in a flurry," he said.

Vitoria has not beaten Benfica at Estadio da Luz in 17 years, and the visitors face another demanding test against an opponent they have struggled to defeat. Benfica's unbeaten run against Vitoria stands at 33 matches, with 26 wins and seven draws since the Guimaraes side last prevailed on May 26, 2013, according to CM Jornal.

Despite the historical disadvantage, Margarido said his players would travel to Lisbon aiming to win rather than settle for a draw. He also praised Silva's work, describing Benfica as one of the strongest teams of recent years, with effective collective organization and the ability to adapt to different defensive systems.

"Vitoria always enters every match, regardless of the opponent, with the intention of winning," Margarido said.

The coach also welcomed increased competition for starting places after the break, highlighting the performances of Mitrovic and Lohann Doucet for their respective national teams. He said having several players competing for positions would benefit his selection decisions.

"The more difficult decisions I have to make, the better," Margarido said.

Elsewhere in Benfica's squad, Andreas Schjelderup could make his 100th appearance for the club on Sunday. The Norwegian winger has scored two goals and recorded three assists this season. Pavlidis, whose contract runs until 2029 and includes a reported 100 million euro release clause, has attracted interest from major European clubs, while midfielder Enzo Barrenechea continues recovering from arthroscopy on his left knee.