Benfica vs AVS: Mourinho’s Men Return to League Action Amid European Controversy
London, 21 February 2026 – Benfica return to Primeira Liga duties today as they host AVS at the Estádio da Luz. While the Eagles sit comfortably in third place with 52 points, the build-up to this fixture has been dominated by the fallout from their midweek Champions League play-off against Real Madrid. Head coach José Mourinho, who missed his pre-match press conference, finds himself at the centre of a media storm following comments regarding allegations of racism involving Gianluca Prestianni and Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior.
Team News and Suspensions
Benfica will be without winger Gianluca Prestianni for today’s clash. The youngster is serving a domestic suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season during the recent victory over Santa Clara. Prestianni is also currently under UEFA investigation following the heated European tie on Tuesday. Midfielder Fredrik Aursnes remains a significant doubt for the match, while the rest of the squad must refocus on domestic matters to maintain their pursuit of the top two.
Head-to-Head Record
History heavily favours the Lisbon giants. In their four previous meetings across all competitions, Benfica have remained unbeaten against AVS. The most recent encounter in September 2025 saw Benfica secure a dominant victory, continuing a trend that has seen them average 3.5 goals per game against the Vila das Aves-based side.
Key Match Facts
The following table outlines the statistical standing of both clubs heading into today’s fixture:
| Category | SL Benfica | AVS Futebol SAD |
|---|---|---|
| League Position | 3rd | 18th |
| Points | 52 | Data Not Available |
| Head-to-Head Wins | 3 | 0 |
| Draws | 1 | 1 |
| Last Meeting Result | Benfica Win (3-0) | AVS Loss (0-3) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did José Mourinho miss the pre-match press conference?
The Benfica head coach opted to skip the official media briefing ahead of the AVS fixture following the intense scrutiny surrounding his post-match comments after the Real Madrid game. He instead provided a brief interview to Benfica’s in-house media team.
Is Gianluca Prestianni playing today?
No. Prestianni is suspended for this match due to an accumulation of yellow cards in the Primeira Liga. His absence coincides with an ongoing UEFA investigation into alleged slurs directed at Vinícius Júnior during midweek.
What is the current form of Benfica?
In the league, Benfica have been strong, recording seven wins and three draws in their last ten outings, averaging over two goals per match. However, they are looking to bounce back from a 1-0 continental defeat suffered on Tuesday.