FC Arouca vs SL Benfica
Estádio Municipal de Arouca (Arouca)
J. Bessa
2025/2026
Match Report
Benfica snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory at Arouca thanks to a Franjo Ivanovic strike deep into stoppage time. The visitors looked to be heading for a frustrating draw before the Croatian forward fired home in the 96th minute to complete a gutsy comeback.
Iván Barbero had given the hosts an early lead from the penalty spot after just seven minutes, following a handball by António Silva inside the box. Benfica levelled shortly after the break through Richard Ríos, who powered a header in from a corner on 50 minutes.
Tempers flared after the final whistle as Arouca's Alfonso Trezza and Benfica's Amar Dedic were both shown straight red cards for a heated altercation, capping a fiery finish.
The win lifts Benfica to 62 points — level with Sporting and four behind leaders Porto — while keeping their remarkable unbeaten league run intact. For Arouca, stuck in 11th on 26 points, it was another painful night at home.
Match Events
7'
22'
J. Sanchez(Roughing)
45+3'
48'
50'
59'
59'
R. Rios(Foul)
70'
74'
74'
75'
75'
77'
P. Gozalbez(Holding)
79'
79'
80'
I. De Arruabarrena(Unsportsmanlike conduct)
85'
90+6'
90+8'
A. Dedic(Unsportsmanlike conduct)
90+8'
A. Trezza(Unsportsmanlike conduct)
90+9'
V. Pavlidis(Roughing)
90+11'
A. Trubin(Delay of game)
90+11'
G. Prestianni(Foul)
7'
(Roughing)J. Sanchez
22'
45+3'
48'
50'
59'
59'
R. Rios(Foul)
70'
74'
74'
75'
75'
(Holding)P. Gozalbez
77'
79'
79'
(Unsportsmanlike conduct)I. De Arruabarrena
80'
85'
90+6'
90+8'
A. Dedic(Unsportsmanlike conduct)
(Unsportsmanlike conduct)A. Trezza
90+8'
90+9'
V. Pavlidis(Roughing)
90+11'
A. Trubin(Delay of game)
90+11'
G. Prestianni(Foul)
Standings
| # | W | D | L | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | SL Benfica | 18 | 8 | 0 | +38 | 62 |
| 12 | FC Arouca | 7 | 5 | 14 | -22 | 26 |
Statistics
39%Possession61%
12Shots22
6Shots on Target5
2Corners15
17Fouls11
0Offsides5
5Yellow Cards6
1Red Cards1
297Passes444
3Saves5
Injuries & Suspensions
Head to Head
1
FC Arouca wins
3
Draws
18
SL Benfica wins
Goals: 11 - 61