The Portuguese Primeira Liga returns to the Azores this evening as Santa Clara hosts Benfica at the Estádio de São Miguel. Kick-off is scheduled for Friday, 13 February 2026, in a match that carries significant implications for both ends of the league table.
Match Overview
Benfica enters the 22nd round of the campaign maintaining an impressive unbeaten run, averaging 2.1 goals per match. Under the management of José Mourinho—who notably skipped the pre-match press conference yesterday—the Eagles are looking to solidify their title charge. In contrast, Santa Clara, nicknamed Os Açorianos, has struggled for form, winning only four of their 21 league matches this season and currently sitting in the lower half of the standings.
Head-to-Head (H2H) History
Historically, this fixture has been dominated by the Lisbon giants. Across their last 19 competitive meetings, the record stands as follows:
- Benfica Wins: 15
- Santa Clara Wins: 1
- Draws: 3
The most recent encounter between these two sides took place in September 2025, resulting in a 1-1 draw. While Santa Clara has historically found it difficult to secure three points against Benfica, they have managed to hold the Eagles to draws in two of their last five meetings.
Team News & Lineups
Benfica received a significant boost ahead of the trip to Ponta Delgada with the return of Alexander Bah and Richard Ríos to first-team training. Both players are expected to be available for selection, though they may be integrated cautiously.
Predicted Benfica XI: Trubin; Bah, Otamendi, Silva, Carreras; Ríos, Florentino; Di María, Kokcu, Aktürkoğlu; Pavlidis.
Predicted Santa Clara XI: Batista; Lima, Rocha, Venâncio; Calila, Ferreira, Klismahn, Nunes; Lopes, Safira, Ricardinho.
Betting Odds & Predictions
Market sentiment heavily favours the visitors. According to current betting data:
- Benfica to Win: 1.35
- Draw: 4.80
- Santa Clara to Win: 8.50
Analysts expect a professional performance from Benfica, with most predictions leaning toward a 2-0 or 3-1 victory for the Eagles. Santa Clara’s primary hope lies in their home advantage and the potential for a “Mourinho distraction” following the manager’s recent media avoidance.
Follow the live score and minute-by-minute updates on Canada Wire throughout the evening.