Gil Vicente vs Benfica

As the Primeira Liga commences its return following the break the game kicks off with Gil Vicente facing Benfica in the first match of matchday 27 on Friday evening.

The local hosts begin their home match with enthusiasm after international break as they attempt to restart their season while the away team aims to defend a place in first position.

The last game of Gil Vicente proved to be their toughest of the season as they lost 1-0 against Santa Clara and made it eight consecutive matches without a victory between all competitions and seven winless league matches.

The Roosters continued with their normal pattern of conceding first goals since their previous seven matches as they dropped points yet again at Estrela Amadora followed by yielding to Costa's 27th-minute goal.

The main reason Gil struggles with losses in the recent games is their attack not realizing proper scoring opportunities as they failed to score goals in six matches and faced five zero scorelines in the league.

The Gilistas remain deep within the relegation zone of Primeira Liga standings at position 14 with 23 points because their goal difference is better than the next team.

The Gil Vicente Club lost for the third time at home in this season of Primeira Liga competition after Santa Clara defeated them leading to serious concerns about the team's recent form. The defeat marked a three-match domestic losing streak.

The forthcoming match looks bleak because the Gil Vicente team has won their previous six games played in their home stadium.

As Benfica show total control over this rivalry they defeated Gil Vicente 5-1 at Estadio da Luz during their previous meeting while holding supremacy on opposing grounds.

While their opponents struggle, Bruno Lage's Benfica are flying high, riding a wave of momentum after a thrilling 3-2 win over Rio Ave extended their league winning streak to six games.

Unlike their dominant 3-0 victories against Nacional and Boavista, this time Benfica had to fight hard, surrendering a two-goal lead before Kerem Aktürkoğlu's 80th-minute winner sealed the deal.

The Eagles have been relentless in attack, netting three or more goals in five of their last six league matches. With 59 goals so far, they’re the second-highest scorers in the division.

This red-hot form has reignited their title hopes, lifting them to second place on 59 points—just three behind leaders Sporting Lisbon, who have played an extra game.

The Rio Ave triumph also marked Benfica’s third straight away win in the Primeira Liga, a stark improvement after just two wins in their previous nine road games. With confidence soaring, they’ll be eager to grab another three points on Friday and tighten the race at the top.