Benfica remain one of Portugal’s established powers: founded in 1904, based at the Estádio da Luz, and carrying a squad valued at around £320.5m by Transfermarkt. It is a large group, with 37 players and an average age of 24, which points to both depth and a clear investment in players still short of their peak years.
Their 2026-27 season is well under way, with Benfica sitting second in Liga Portugal. They have also been involved in the Europa League play-off route and the Europa League league phase, adding a European layer to a domestic campaign that has been built on steady scoring rather than caution.
The attacking numbers are difficult to ignore. At home, Benfica are averaging two goals scored and 1.5 conceded per match; away, the figures are more pointed, with 4.7 scored and none conceded on average. They have also struck first inside 20 minutes in 11 of 19 league matches, a useful warning for any side expecting time to settle into the occasion.
Recent league form has been strong, with wins over Moreirense, Marítimo, Estoril, Casa Pia and Estoril again, plus a 2-2 draw with Academico Viseu. The 0-7 away win at Casa Pia and 0-4 at Moreirense underline the threat. Vangelis Pavlidis leads the scoring with 12 goals, supported by Gianluca Prestianni on seven and Rafael Alexandre ‘Rafa Silva’ Fernandes Silva on four.
For Celtic supporters, Benfica profile as a technically strong, high-scoring side with European experience and considerable squad value. They are not a curiosity opponent; they are a serious one.
