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Gameweek nine of the 2026-27 Primeira Liga campaign concludes with Santa Clara hosting Benfica at Estadio de Sao Miguel.
Both teams have made strong starts to the season and sit inside the top four ahead of Monday's clash in Ponta Delgada.
In addition to our Santa Clara vs Benfica prediction below, check out the rest of today's betting tips for more of our expert predictions.
Santa Clara vs. Benfica key stats
- Benfica have won each of their last three matches.
- Eight of Benfica's last 10 games have yielded at least three goals.
- Santa Clara have opened the scoring in four of their last five matches.
- Santa Clara have conceded in each of their last 16 meetings with Benfica.
Santa Clara vs. Benfica preview: As Aguias to stay within touching distance of the summit
Santa Clara vs Benfica — Tale of the Tape
| Santa Clara | vs | Benfica |
|---|---|---|
| 4th | Position | 2nd |
| 18 | Points | 19 |
| 12 | Goals For | 24 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 7 |
| 5 | Clean Sheets | 4 |
| 5th | Home / Away Rank | 3rd |
Following a 2-1 defeat to St. Gallen that marked the start of the Marco Silva era, Benfica have embarked on a remarkable run, going unbeaten in 15 of their next 16 competitive matches, with their only loss coming against rivals Porto.
A second consecutive 4-1 Europa League win over Omonia Nicosia last time out marked As Aguais’ third straight victory since their Lisbon derby defeat, scoring 10 goals and conceding just two in that span.
Despite this upturn in form, Benfica remain eight points behind Porto after the defending champions' triumph over Gil Vicente on Saturday, leaving little margin for error ahead of their upcoming clash.
While Benfica boast the league’s best attacking record and have been prolific in front of goal this season, Monday’s away clash presents a major test. Their opponents have conceded a league-low four goals and kept a division-high five clean sheets.
A 2-1 win in February extended Benfica’s unbeaten run in this fixture to 11 matches dating back to January 2021, but the Santa Clara side awaiting them on Monday is arguably the strongest they have faced yet.
Having finished just two places and six points clear of the drop zone last season, Santa Clara were widely tipped to be in another relegation battle but have defied expectations and have arguably been the surprise package of the campaign so far.
Alongside Porto and Sporting, Os Acorianos are one of just three teams yet to lose a Primeira Liga match in 2026-27. This marks their longest unbeaten start to a top-flight season, and comes in Petit’s first full campaign since taking charge earlier this year.
However, shockwaves rippled across Portuguese football when Santa Clara suffered a 3-2 defeat to Mafra in Sunday’s Taca de Portugal third-round clash. Mamor Niang’s late winner settled a five-goal thriller, with Santa Clara letting a 2-1 lead slip late on.
Santa Clara have not lost back-to-back matches since April and will need to regroup quickly from that disappointment, with in-form Benfica waiting to capitalise on any nerves and keep up the pressure in the title race.
Jose Tavares’s red card last time out was Santa Clara’s second in their last four matches, and they have been reduced to 10 men in each of their last three meetings with Monday’s opponents. Maintaining discipline will be crucial if the hosts are to secure a positive result.
Santa Clara vs. Benfica form guide & betting tips
| Santa Clara | vs | Benfica |
|---|---|---|
DWWDW |
Form | WWWLW |
| 11 | Points | 12 |
| 5th | Form Table | 2nd |
| 8 | Goals For | 13 |
| 2 | Goals Against | 4 |
WWDWL |
Form (All Comps) | WLWWW |
Whispers predicts: Santa Clara 1-2 Benfica
Benfica had won four consecutive away league matches prior to their most recent trip to Porto, and we expect them to get back on track with a win here at 7/20 (1.35).
Vangelis Pavlidis leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and scored in both meetings with Santa Clara last season, making him an appealing anytime scorer option at 4/5 (1.80).
Each of Benfica's last victories at Santa Clara have come by a single-goal margin, so a 1-2 correct score at 8/1 (9.00) offers good value, especially if staked on using our BetMGM welcome offer.
> Benfica to win at 7/20 (1.35) | Likelihood: Probable
> Vangelis Pavlidis to score anytime at 4/5 (1.80) | Likelihood: Probable
> 1-2 correct score at 8/1 (9.00) | Likelihood: Outsider