Barcelona target scores four goals in stunning European audition
Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis delivered a four-goal masterpiece as Barcelona continues to monitor one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.
Vangelis Pavlidis has become the breakout star of European soccer’s opening weeks.
The striker put on a breathtaking display Thursday night, leading Benfica to a commanding comeback victory over Swiss side St. Gallen in the second leg of their Europa League second qualifying round tie. After losing 2-1 in the first leg, Benfica needed a response at Estádio da Luz and got exactly that from its Greek frontman.
Pavlidis scored four times in a dominant performance that not only kept Benfica’s European hopes alive but also served as another reminder of why Barcelona continues to track his progress.
Four goals, one unforgettable night
Pavlidis wasted little time getting Benfica back into the tie. Just 10 minutes in, he calmly finished Rafa Silva’s pass to level the aggregate score.
He nearly added another with a header just before halftime, but the real fireworks came after the break.
Between the 55th and 74th minutes, Pavlidis completed a remarkable four-goal haul. His second came after a slick passing move with Kaminsky. The third showcased classic penalty-box instincts, finishing after a scramble that produced multiple rebounds following an assist from Alexander Bah.
He completed the quartet from the penalty spot after Frokaj fouled Richard Ríos, blasting his spot kick into the upper right corner with unstoppable power.
Former Barcelona, Sevilla and Atlético Madrid defender Clément Lenglet capped the scoring before Benfica manager Mauro Silva substituted Pavlidis in the 77th minute to a standing ovation from the home crowd.
It was the kind of performance that will only strengthen Barcelona’s interest.
Barcelona continues to monitor Pavlidis
As AS has learned, Pavlidis is among the names Barcelona’s sporting department, led by Deco, is considering as it evaluates options to strengthen its attack.
Atlético Madrid striker Julián Alvarez remains Barcelona’s top priority, and that has not changed. However, Pavlidis is viewed as one of the leading alternatives should a move for the Argentine prove impossible.
Any deal would also depend on other factors, including the future of Ferran Torres. Barcelona remains optimistic about extending Torres’ contract while continuing its pursuit of Alvarez, but the club has not taken its eyes off the Greek international.
If Barcelona ultimately turns to Pavlidis, negotiations with Benfica are unlikely to be straightforward. The Portuguese club views him as a key part of its plans and has little incentive to sell after the season has already begun.
Benfica’s next challenge comes against Hearts in the Europa League playoff round, with the first leg scheduled for Aug. 6 and the return leg on Aug. 13. The Scottish club finished just two points behind Celtic in last season’s Premiership title race, making it Benfica’s final obstacle before reaching the league phase.
One of Europe’s most consistent scorers
Few strikers outside Europe’s five biggest leagues have been as productive as Pavlidis over the past five seasons.
The Greek forward recorded his third consecutive 30-goal campaign in 2025-26 and has now surpassed the 20-goal mark in five straight seasons, first with AZ Alkmaar and now with Benfica.
He scored 25 goals in 2021-22, followed by 22 in 2022-23 before exploding for 33 in 2023-24. Those performances convinced Benfica to spend around $21 million to sign him.
He has more than justified that investment, producing 30 goals in each of his first two seasons in Portugal.
That remarkable consistency in front of goal is exactly why Barcelona continues to view Pavlidis as one of its leading attacking alternatives.
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