Benfica held to 2-2 draw by Académico despite Prestianni's goal and assist

Benfica began their Liga Portugal campaign with a disappointing 2-2 draw against newly promoted Académico de Viseu, despite a stellar performance from young Argentine attacker Gianluca Prestianni. The match, played at the Estádio da Luz, was notably held without spectators as punishment for fan misconduct during the 2022/23 season.

Prestianni was instrumental in Benfica's attack throughout the game. He opened the scoring in the 10th minute, delivering a precise long pass to Vangelis Pavlidis, who controlled the ball and fired it into the net. The "albiceleste" winger seemed poised to lead Benfica to a comfortable victory, as the team dominated offensively but lacked finishing precision.

Académico de Viseu equalized in the 55th minute with a header from Rúben Pereira following a corner kick. However, Prestianni quickly restored Benfica's lead just three minutes later. He skillfully dribbled past a defender on the left flank, entered the penalty area, and scored with a delicate chip shot over the goalkeeper.

Despite Prestianni's brilliance, Benfica could not hold onto their advantage. André Clóvis scored the equalizer for the visitors in the 68th minute, finishing a cross from the right side to make it 2-2. Thousands of Benfica fans gathered outside the stadium, watching the match on screens set up in the vicinity to support their team despite the stadium ban.