Jhon Durán and Vangelis Pavlidis, the Duo That Could Put Portugal on Notice

Both strikers scored in Benfica’s rout of Celtic and offered an important glimpse of what could be coming: the partnership the club has been waiting for is beginning to take shape.

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Jhon Durán and Vangelis Pavlidis are starting to click

Benfica produced one of their most convincing performances of the season in a 4-1 Europa League win over Celtic, but the result also delivered something perhaps even more intriguing for what comes next: Jhon Durán and Vangelis Pavlidis scored in the same match.

They did not start together. Durán was in the lineup, opened the scoring with a Panenka-style penalty and struck again before halftime to complete his brace. Pavlidis began on the bench, came on later and scored the fourth to finish off the rout.

It was only a glimpse, but enough to start wondering what could happen once the two spend more time on the pitch together. One is rebuilding his confidence, while the other is already in outstanding scoring form. If Marco Silva finds a way to make them work together, Benfica could have a front two that is extremely difficult to stop.

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Jhon Durán says the connection is growing

Durán finished the night as Player of the Match and made no secret of how important the performance was for his confidence. Two goals, a starring role and, above all, the feeling that he is becoming increasingly comfortable in an attack where Pavlidis had taken much of the spotlight.

“These two goals are important to boost my confidence and help me build an even better understanding with Vangelis Pavlidis,” the Colombian said after the match.

He also acknowledged the form of his teammate: “Everyone knows the great moment he is in. He scores a lot of goals and has made the position his own.” Rather than sounding like a battle to take Pavlidis’ place, it raises the possibility that Benfica could eventually find a way to get their two most dangerous strikers on the pitch together.

A partnership Liga Portugal may have to worry about

That is where the real concern begins for Benfica’s rivals. Until now, much of the discussion has centered on which striker should lead the line. But the European rout offered another possibility: what if Durán and Pavlidis do not necessarily have to compete for the same spot?

With the Colombian gaining confidence and Pavlidis continuing to produce, the Eagles’ attack could become a serious problem for the rest of Liga Portugal. Both FC Porto and Sporting CP will have reason to keep a close eye on a partnership that is only beginning to show what it can become.

They will have to wait a little longer to test it in league play, however. Benfica will not play in Liga Portugal this weekend because of Taça action, meaning the duo will have to wait before trying to carry that momentum into the domestic competition.

Marco Silva now has a good problem to solve

The next move belongs to Marco Silva. Durán delivered when given his opportunity, while Pavlidis once again did what he does best: score. Few selection dilemmas are more welcome for a coach than finding room for two forwards who are both producing.

Silva was delighted with Benfica’s explosive first half against Celtic, even if he called for greater control when his team builds a commanding lead. Benfica were aggressive, clinical and dangerous — and that attack could become even more threatening if their two strikers truly begin to understand each other.

In Europe, the Eagles remain perfect after two matches, with Omonia next on the schedule. But another storyline is beginning to emerge back in Portugal: Jhon Durán and Vangelis Pavlidis are starting to show that together they could take Benfica’s attack to another level.

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A partnership beginning to catch fire

Jhon Durán scored twice and was named Player of the Match in the 4-1 win over Celtic.
Vangelis Pavlidis came off the bench and also scored, giving Benfica goals from both strikers on the same night.
Benfica will not play in Liga Portugal this weekend because of Taça action, but their emerging strike partnership is beginning to look like a serious threat to the rest of the league.