Benfica returned to winning ways with a 2–0 home victory over Nacional in the 29th round of the Portuguese league, keeping their title hopes alive ahead of a crucial trip to Sporting next week.
The Lisbon side made a fast start, with Andreas Schjelderup opening the scoring after just three minutes. Rafa Silva doubled the lead in the 14th minute, giving Benfica early control of the match at Estádio da Luz.
Despite their dominance, Benfica missed the chance to extend the scoreline further when Vangelis Pavlidis failed to convert a penalty in the 58th minute.
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The result comes after a 1–1 draw against Casa Pia, Benfica’s ninth draw of the season, but they remain the only unbeaten team in the league campaign.
With the win, Benfica stay third in the table on 69 points, just two behind Sporting in second—who have played one game fewer—and four behind leaders FC Porto, who still have a match in hand.
Nacional remain 15th on 25 points as they continue their fight to stay clear of the relegation zone.
Benfica now turn their attention to a high-stakes derby against Sporting, a match that could prove decisive in the title race.
