Benfica return to domestic duty with a trip to Barcelos on Monday night, facing Gil Vicente in the final fixture of Primeira Liga matchday 24.
The Eagles’ European campaign ended at the hands of Real Madrid in midweek, but their focus now shifts entirely to closing the gap on the league’s top two, aiming to mount a late title challenge.
Our Gil Vicente vs Benfica prediction provides a clear outlook on the contest, alongside additional Primeira Liga betting tips.
Contents
Gil Vicente vs Benfica: Eagles refocus on league ambitions
Key stats
- Benfica are unbeaten in 38 Primeira Liga matches (W27, D11), stretching from last season.
- Three or more goals have been scored in eight of Gil Vicente’s last nine outings.
- The Eagles have won each of their last three league games.
- Benfica have recorded over 2.5 goals in four of their last five outings across all competitions.
Correct score prediction: Gil Vicente 1–2 Benfica
Despite their European exit, Benfica’s domestic form remains formidable, with victory over AVS last weekend taking their league run to three consecutive wins.
Given the sizeable gap to the summit, the margin for error is slim, so expect a focused display from the Eagles against a side they have dominated in recent seasons.
Gil Vicente saw their three-match winning run halted by a 3–1 defeat at Estoril Praia last weekend, but their performances at home have been encouraging.
The Barcelos outfit are unbeaten in their last five matches on their turf, winning each of the last three, so a tight contest is expected. However, Benfica’s superior firepower may prove decisive.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Visitors convincing favourites
- HOME: 9/2 (5.50) – 18.2%
- DRAW: 14/5 (3.80) – 26.3%
- AWAY: 8/13 (1.62) – 61.9%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Benfica enter as huge favourites, reflected in a 61.9% win probability, more than three times that of Gil Vicente at 18.2%.
Our hot tip – Benfica win & over 1.5 goals – offers value at 1/1 (2.00).
Most recent H2H: One-sided affair
Benfica have claimed victory in each of the last seven meetings, including a 3–0 success on their most recent visit to Barcelos, while this season’s reverse ended in a 2–1 victory.
Portugal Primeira Liga 26/09/25
Benfica
Gil Vicente
Portugal Primeira Liga 28/03/25
Gil Vicente
Benfica
Portugal Primeira Liga 02/03/25
Gil Vicente
Benfica
Portugal Primeira Liga 28/09/24
Benfica
Gil Vicente
Portugal Primeira Liga 04/02/24
Benfica
Gil Vicente
Gil Vicente preview: Fresh injury concern
Joelson Fernandes faces a late fitness test after being forced off last time out, while Muhamed Bamba and Jonathan Mutombo remain unavailable.
Predicted XI: Lucao (GK), Ze Carlos, Buatu, Elimbi, Konan, Esteves, De Souza, Garcia, Fernandes, Murilo & Eduardo
Gil Vicente’s last five results:
- 22/02/26: Estoril 3–1 Gil Vicente (Primeira Liga)
- 14/02/26: Gil Vicente 2–1 Braga (Primeira Liga)
- 07/02/26: Moreirense 1–2 Gil Vicente (Primeira Liga)
- 01/02/26: Gil Vicente 5–0 Famalicao (Primeira Liga)
- 26/01/26: FC Porto 3–0 Gil Vicente (Primeira Liga)
Benfica preview: Close to full strength
Benfica have seen a number of key players return from injury in recent weeks, giving Mourinho a wide range of options, though Joao Veloso and Bruma remain doubts.
Winger Gianluca Prestianni returns after missing the midweek trip to the Bernabeu due to suspension, having also sat out the last league outing after exceeding the yellow card threshold.
Predicted XI: Trubin (GK), Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl, Rios, Barreiro, Prestianni, Rafa Silva, Schjelderup & Pavlidis
Benfica’s last five results:
- 25/02/26: Real Madrid 2–1 Benfica (Champions League)
- 21/02/26: Benfica 3–0 AFS (Primeira Liga)
- 17/02/26: Benfica 0–1 Real Madrid (Champions League)
- 13/02/26: Santa Clara 1–2 Benfica (Primeira Liga)
- 08/02/26: Benfica 2–1 Alverca (Primeira Liga)
Player to watch: Vangelis Pavlidis
Vangelis Pavlidis is in a tense race for the Golden Boot. The Greek international, with 20 league goals, will look to respond after Sporting Lisbon’s Luis Suarez moved two strikes clear with a brace on Friday. Pavlidis scored twice in the reverse fixture, giving extra confidence to the 27-year-old striker.