SL Benfica Women delivered a dominant 4-0 away victory over Maritimo Women in the Portugal Campeonato Nacional Feminino on 18 October 2026. The Lisbon side controlled possession from the opening whistle, scored twice in each half and never allowed the hosts to settle into a comfortable rhythm.

Match overview

Benfica imposed themselves early, pressing Maritimo’s back line and forcing mistakes in the defensive third. The visitors moved the ball quickly through midfield and used width effectively, stretching the home defence before attacking the penalty area. Maritimo worked hard to stay compact, but the quality of Benfica’s movement and the speed of their passing gradually created clear chances. By half-time the away side had a two-goal cushion, and they managed the second half with the same authority.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Benfica took the lead after a quick move down the left, with the winger cutting the ball back for a close-range finish.
• 38th minute: A second goal arrived from a central attack, as Benfica’s forward found space between the centre-backs and doubled the advantage.
• 61st minute: The visitors added a third after sustained pressure, converting a rebound following a strong save from the Maritimo goalkeeper.
• 78th minute: Benfica completed the scoring with a well-placed finish from the edge of the area, capping a flowing attacking move.

Tactical story

Benfica’s high press was the defining feature of the match. Maritimo attempted to play out from the back, but the visitors’ front line closed down passing lanes aggressively and forced long clearances. When Benfica won the ball back, their midfielders moved it forward quickly, often finding the wide players in one-on-one situations. Maritimo defended with a deep block for long periods, but the sheer volume of Benfica attacks eventually told. The away side also managed the game well after the break, keeping possession and avoiding unnecessary risk.

Standout performers

Benfica’s attacking trio caused problems throughout, with the left winger particularly influential in the first half. The central midfielder controlled the tempo and linked play efficiently, while the defence dealt comfortably with Maritimo’s rare counter-attacks. For the hosts, the goalkeeper made several saves to prevent an even heavier defeat, and the captain worked tirelessly in midfield despite limited service.

Season impact

The three points strengthen Benfica’s position in the Campeonato Nacional Feminino title race and add a healthy boost to their goal difference. Maritimo, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly after a demanding afternoon against one of the league’s strongest sides. The result underlines the gap in quality on the day, but Maritimo’s ability to defend in numbers for long spells offers some encouragement for tighter contests ahead.