Image: from FC One Football X @FCOneFootball
By Open Chronicle Sports
9 August 2026 | Liga Portugal Betclic | Matchday 1
Académico de Viseu marked their return to Portugal’s top flight with a memorable result after holding Benfica to a 2,2 draw on the opening weekend of the Liga Portugal Betclic 2026/27 season.
At the end of an eventful contest, Benfica were forced to settle for a single point while Académico left with an important early result against one of Portuguese football’s traditional giants.
For the visitors, the draw represented considerably more than simply a point in the standings. Facing Benfica immediately provided one of the most demanding possible tests of their return to Liga Portugal, and Académico responded by demonstrating that they intend to compete rather than merely survive.
Benfica face immediate resistance
Benfica entered their opening league fixture expected to begin the championship with three points.
The Lisbon club starts virtually every domestic season carrying title ambitions, and the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign is no different.
Académico, however, refused to allow the occasion or the reputation of their opponents to dictate the match.
The newly promoted side competed with determination and ensured that Benfica could never establish the level of control required to turn the opening fixture into a comfortable victory.
What might have appeared a difficult assignment on paper gradually developed into an opportunity for Académico to make an immediate statement.
Four goals, but no winner
The scoreboard ultimately reflected the competitive nature of the contest.
Benfica found the net twice, but Académico answered with two goals of their own.
Rather than allowing Benfica to pull away, the visitors remained in the match and continued to believe that a positive result was possible.
That resilience became increasingly significant as the game progressed.
For Benfica, scoring twice without winning will inevitably bring attention to the defensive side of the performance. A team expected to challenge for the championship cannot afford to regularly surrender points in matches where it finds the net more than once.
For Académico, the same scoreline carries a completely different meaning.
Two goals against Benfica and a point on their return to the highest level provide an immediate source of confidence.
Académico announce their return
Promoted clubs often begin a top flight season with questions surrounding their ability to adapt to the increased pace, quality and tactical demands of the division.
Académico have provided an encouraging first answer.
Taking a point from Benfica in their opening Liga Portugal fixture represents a significant early achievement and offers evidence that the Viseu side can make their presence felt during the campaign.
One result cannot determine what follows across an entire season, but it can influence confidence.
Académico leave their opening fixture knowing they have already competed successfully against one of the championship’s strongest teams.
Benfica drop early points
For Benfica, the assessment is more complicated.
The objective at the beginning of a championship challenge is to establish momentum quickly, particularly when competing with FC Porto, Sporting and the other clubs attempting to occupy the leading positions.
Dropping two points on Matchday 1 was therefore not the start Benfica wanted.
There is a long season ahead and the opening weekend will not define the title race, but the 2,2 result creates an immediate reminder of how small margins can become important across 34 matchdays.
Benfica demonstrated attacking quality by scoring twice.
They were unable, however, to translate those goals into victory.
A memorable point for Viseu
When the final whistle arrived, the contrasting emotions were clear.
For Benfica, it represented an opportunity missed.
For Académico de Viseu, it represented a point earned.
The newly promoted club has returned to Liga Portugal and immediately demonstrated its willingness to compete against the country’s established powers.
There will be considerably different challenges ahead during the season, but this was an encouraging beginning.
Académico’s first match back among Portugal’s elite ends with a point against Benfica.
Few opening day results could have provided a stronger statement.
Full Time
SL Benfica 2,2 Académico de Viseu
Competition: Liga Portugal Betclic 2026/27
Matchday: 1
Date: 9 August 2026
Status: Full Time
Benfica therefore begin the championship with one point rather than the three they were seeking, while Académico de Viseu celebrate an impressive result on their return to the Portuguese top flight.