Benfica Secures Victory Over Gil Vicente, Mourinho Protests Penalty Decision

Barcelos – Benfica emerged victorious against Gil Vicente on March 2, 2026, but the match was not without its controversies, as manager José Mourinho voiced his discontent with a potential penalty not awarded to his team.

Mourinho Expresses Frustration with VAR

Following the win, José Mourinho publicly questioned the performance of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), stating they appeared to be “drinking a coffee” during a crucial moment in the match. The complaint centers around a perceived penalty that, according to Mourinho, should have been awarded to Benfica before their opening goal. Source

Second-Half Dominance

Despite the controversy, Mourinho acknowledged his team’s strong performance, particularly in the second half. He stated that Benfica “overwhelmed” their opponents after the break. Source

Aursnes Injury Concern

The Benfica manager also expressed concern regarding the condition of Aursnes, but did not confirm the severity of the injury or his availability for future matches. Source, Source

Key Performances

Santi García was highlighted as a standout performer for Gil Vicente, earning recognition as the best player on the field and providing an assist to Héctor Hernández. António Silva also scored for Benfica. Source

Looking Ahead

Benfica’s victory is crucial as they continue to compete for the league title, with an upcoming match against FC Porto looming as a pivotal fixture. Mourinho emphasized the necessitate for a win against Porto to maintain their championship aspirations. Source