Sat May 03 18:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Estoril’s Upset Victory Over Benfica: A Historical Footballing Shock

**LISBON, PORTUGAL** – Ahead of tomorrow’s Liga Portugal match between Benfica and Estoril Praia, a fascinating historical parallel is emerging. While Benfica are heavy favorites to win, a deep dive into the archives reveals a stunning upset from 1946, when Estoril thrashed the then-giants 6-3.

This unexpected victory, recounted by football historian Miguel Lourenço Pereira, occurred amidst the backdrop of World War II. Neutral Portugal, particularly Estoril, became a hub for spies, including Sir Ian Fleming, who was gathering intelligence for Operation Shell. A network of informants, connected to the British Embassy and Shell petrol stations, operated within the country. Amongst them was Cândido de Oliveira, a prominent figure in Portuguese football, who was later imprisoned in a Cape Verde concentration camp.

The success of Estoril Praia in 1946 was fuelled by the patronage of Fausto Figueiredo, owner of the Estoril Casino. Estoril, despite being a relative newcomer to the top flight, achieved a remarkable 5th place finish in the 1946/47 season, scoring an impressive 96 goals. Their success continued with a 4th-place finish the following year.

The 1946 match saw Estoril’s José Mota score a hat-trick, while Lima added two more goals. Benfica, despite featuring prominent players like Arsénio and Rogério Pipi, were unable to overcome Estoril’s spirited performance. The victory marked a high point in Estoril’s history, a golden age that would not be repeated until much later. The result also impacted Benfica’s title chase, allowing Sporting to claim the championship. This historical context adds intrigue to tomorrow’s encounter, highlighting Estoril’s capacity for an upset, albeit under vastly different circumstances.

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