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Benfica suffered a dramatic 28-27 defeat against CS Marítimo in Funchal on Sunday, October 25, 2026, dropping their third match of the Campeonato Betclic men’s handball season, according to A Bola. The visiting side squandered a five-goal advantage inside the final nine minutes, conceding the decisive goal in the final seconds of a tense tenth-round fixture.
The result leaves Benfica with 24 points from ten matches played, sitting behind leaders FC Porto and Sporting on 27 points, alongside Marítimo at 25 points, as reported by Notícias ao Minuto. Under the direction of Swedish coach Anders Hallberg, the Lisbon team had established a comfortable 25-20 lead by the 51st minute before a stark offensive breakdown allowed the hosts to claw back.
Marítimo capitalized on the visitors’ late fatigue, orchestrating an unanswered scoring run that culminated in a 27-27 equalizer in the final minute. Following the deadlock, the island side’s goalkeeper stopped Benfica’s final attempt before launching a swift counter-attack to secure the winning goal. The match had opened with Marítimo taking an early 3-0 lead behind strong saves from goalkeeper Alexandre Magalhães, though Benfica recovered to lead 13-11 at halftime.
Joaquim Nazaré led the scoring for Benfica with six goals, supported by Mikita Vailupau and Javi Rodríguez with five apiece. For the victors, Rúben Santos netted nine times, while Cabo Verde international Délcio Pina contributed seven goals, including the game-winner in the closing moments. Benfica played without Miguel Mendes, who continues recovering from left knee surgery.
ABC and Póvoa AC Follow Leaders Before Benfica Faces Vitória SC
Behind the leading group, ABC and Póvoa AC occupy positions with 20 points in ten games each, followed by Belenenses with 18 points from ten matches, Água Santas with 17 points in nine games, and Vitória SC with 17 points from ten matches. Further down the table stand Artística de Avanca with 13 points in ten games, alongside GC Santo Tirso and AD Carvalhos, both holding 12 points after ten matches.
Benfica returns to domestic action on Saturday, October 31, 2026, traveling to face Vitória SC at 18:30 local time in the 11th round of the competition.
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