Benfica B vs Mérida AD

Silva's second goal in the 24th minute — making it 3-0 — effectively ended the contest after only a quarter of the match. Mérida had already conceded twice in the first 19 minutes, and the quickfire third left them with a mountain they could not climb.

Francisco Silva (Benfica B) — A 12-minute hat-trick (19', 24', 31') that showcased sharp movement and finishing. The clear standout and player of the match.

Tiago Freitas (Benfica B) — Opened the scoring in the 7th minute and was a constant threat down the flanks before being substituted at half-time.

Gonçalo Sobral (Benfica B) — Kept a clean sheet, organising the defence well as Mérida pushed for a consolation in the second half.

Felipe Lima (Benfica B) — Made his unofficial debut after being announced as a signing on the same day. The former Alverca forward played the entire second half.

The 4-0 half-time scoreline tells the story of a match effectively decided in the first 31 minutes. Benfica B converted four chances at a ruthless rate, with Silva's three goals in 12 minutes the decisive spell. Mérida improved after the break — creating chances through Javi Areso, Jota López and Hallsson, according to El Periódico Extremadura — but could not find the net. The pattern of the second half (Mérida pushing, Benfica containing) suggests the scoreline flattered the hosts slightly in terms of overall control, but the first-half finishing was clinical.

Benfica B continued their pre-season preparations for the 2026/27 II Liga season. The win follows earlier friendlies against SU Sintrense (0-0, 11 July), Lusitano GC (1-1, 15 July), Torreense (1-1, 18 July). The competitive season begins on 9 August away to Leixões.

Mérida AD, who compete in the Spanish third tier (Primera Federación), were playing their first pre-season friendly of the summer. They face a high-profile test next: Al-Nassr, the Saudi Pro League side featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, at the Cidade do Futebol in Lisbon on 28 July.

A completely one-sided friendly that was over within half an hour. Francisco Silva's hat-trick will grab the headlines, but the collective intensity of Benfica B's first-half performance was the real story — Mérida simply could not cope with the pace and press of Veríssimo's side. The Spanish side's improvement after the break offers some encouragement ahead of a daunting test against Al-Nassr.

Gonçalo Simões (Benfica B goalkeeping coach): "Positive balance. More than the result, we showed growth. The objective is to have the team ready for the 8th [of August], whether physically, tactically or mentally." — SL Benfica official site

Tiago Rodrigues (Benfica B midfielder): "I think it was a very competitive game, we're evolving well. We showed consistency and that's what will make us a good team. The preparation in the B team is going well. The team will arrive at the official debut well prepared." — SL Benfica official site