Benfica lead in Funchal after early Barreiro strike, pitch controversy overshadows build-up
Benfica lead 0-1 away at Marítimo in matchday 5 of the Primeira Liga after Leandro Barreiro's 7th-minute goal, while a pre-match controversy erupted over the state of the Estádio dos Barreiros pitch.
Match progress
On Saturday, 5 September, Marítimo hosted Benfica at the Estádio dos Barreiros in Funchal in matchday 5 of the Portuguese Primeira Liga. Kick-off was at 18:00 local time, and Benfica took an early lead in the 7th minute: after Gianluca Prestianni broke into the box down the left and Pastor could only parry his shot, Luxembourg international Leandro Barreiro pounced to make it 0-1. Benfica continued to press forward — in the 12th minute João Palhinha almost doubled the lead, but his long-range effort flew just past the post.
Marítimo's return to the top flight
Marítimo are back in the Primeira Liga after three seasons in the Segunda Liga. The two sides last met 1,273 days ago, when Benfica won 3-0 away (two goals from David Neres, one from João Mário) in what turned out to be Benfica's last title-winning season. This season Marítimo have collected seven points from their first four matches, beating Casa Pia (1-0) and Famalicão (2-1), drawing with Académico de Viseu (2-2) and losing to Arouca (1-2).
Line-up changes
Benfica coach Marco Silva had fielded the same starting eleven in his previous four matches, but against Marítimo João Palhinha made his first start of the season, replacing the now-recovered Enzo Barrenechea, who returned to the bench after a leg injury against Estoril. As reported by A Bola, competition for places in Benfica's midfield remains fierce, with captain Fredrik Aursnes also back in the squad after an ankle injury, though Silva did not confirm his final selection before kick-off.
New signings and contracts
In recent weeks Benfica have added left-back Souffian El Karouani (on loan from Al Qadisiyah) and Argentine attacking midfielder Claudio Echeverri (on loan from Manchester City). Meanwhile Richard Ríos left the club on loan to Al-Ittihad, while defender Tomás Araújo signed a contract extension with Benfica until 2031.
Pitch controversy
Ahead of the match, a controversy erupted over the state of the Estádio dos Barreiros pitch, with some mainland Portuguese media suggesting Marítimo may have painted the grass green to disguise its condition. According to dnoticias.pt, club president Carlos André Gomes rejected the claims as "fake news," saying some of the published images were actually from 2021 and insisting the club "has never painted and will never paint the pitch green."
