Benfica triumphed 4-1 over Omonia Nicosia in a decisive UEFA Europa League League Phase encounter.

The GSP Stadium in Nicosia hosted the UEFA Europa League League Phase match on 22 October 2026, pitting Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia against Portuguese giants Benfica. Both clubs entered the game looking to secure vital points, but the Portuguese side soon established dominance on the night.

How it unfolded

The opening stages were dramatic when, in the 14th minute, Loïc Négo inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Benfica an early lead. Omonia Nicosia responded before the half-hour mark; at the 42nd minute Andronikos Kakoulis headed home a cross from Jaden Montnor to level the scores at 1-1, a goal confirmed after a VAR review.

The second half saw Benfica regain control quickly. Seven minutes after the restart, Vangelis Pavlidis struck from the left side of the six-yard box, sending the ball to the top left corner and restoring the visitors’ advantage at 2-1. The tempo remained high, and in the 62nd minute Tomás Araújo was shown a yellow card for a bad foul, the first booking of the match.

Benfica extended their lead in the 76th minute when Fredrik Aursnes unleashed a right-footed shot from the centre of the box, finding the bottom right corner to make it 3-1. The pressure on Omonia grew, and João Palhinha received a yellow card for a bad foul in the 83rd minute.

The final blow came in the 85th minute: Gianluca Prestianni finished a fast-break move, assisted by Dodi Lukébakio, with a right-footed strike from the centre of the box into the centre of the goal, sealing a 4-1 win for Benfica. The closing stages featured three further cautions: Souffian El Karouani (Benfica) in the 88th minute, Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica) in the 90th minute, and Loïs Diony (Omonia Nicosia) in stoppage time (90'+3'), each booked for a bad foul.

Standout performers

  • Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica) – Scored the fourth goal and earned a yellow card late on.
  • Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica) – Provided the decisive second-half strike to put Benfica ahead.
  • Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica) – Added the third goal with a precise finish from distance.
  • Andronikos Kakoulis (Omonia Nicosia) – Scored the lone goal for the hosts, heading in Jaden Montnor’s cross.

Match facts

  • Final score: Omonia Nicosia 1-4 Benfica
  • Scorers:
    • 14' – Loïc Négo (own goal) (Benfica)
    • 42' – Andronikos Kakoulis (Omonia Nicosia) – assist Jaden Montnor
    • 49' – Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica)
    • 76' – Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica)
    • 85' – Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica) – assist Dodi Lukébakio
  • Bookings:
    • Tomás Araújo (Benfica) – 62'
    • João Palhinha (Benfica) – 83'
    • Souffian El Karouani (Benfica) – 88'
    • Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica) – 90'
    • Loïs Diony (Omonia Nicosia) – 90'+3'
  • Venue: GSP Stadium, Nicosia

What it means

The 4-1 win secures three points for Benfica in the UEFA Europa League League Phase, reinforcing their campaign momentum, while Omonia Nicosia return home with a single point after a hard-fought but ultimately unsuccessful effort.