Flamengo beats Benfica 2-1 to win Algarve Trophy
Flamengo defeated Benfica 2‑1 in the Algarve Trophy friendly on 11 July 2026 at the Estádio do Algarve in Faro/Loulé, Portugal. Samuel Lino opened the scoring in the first half and substitute Wallace Yan, who came on after 20 minutes, added the winner two minutes later. Vangelis Pavlidis equalised for Benfica from a penalty. The Brazilian side completed its European inter‑season unbeaten record (two wins and one draw) and lifted the trophy, the 25th‑anniversary edition of the competition.
The match was marked by heated moments: Flamengo coach Leonardo Jardim confronted Benfica’s bench after a series of hard tackles, and the crowd jeered Argentine Gianluca Prestianni, recalling his prior UEFA sanction for alleged racial conduct against Vinícius Jr. Benfica manager Marco Silva later admitted his side were under‑prepared and pledged improvements. Flamengo will return to Brazil, play a final pre‑season friendly against Olimpia in Brasília on 17 July and then open the Campeonato Brasileiro against Chapecoense on 22 July.
Jardim praised his squad’s attitude and said the tour helped the team grow ahead of the second half of the season, while club officials highlighted the strong fan presence in Portugal and the tactical work carried out during the three‑game European stint.