Tension on the Benfica bench could have escalated during the team's victory over Marítimo, 3-0. Coach Marco Silva made no secret of his displeasure with several refereeing decisions, led by Sérgio Guelho, contesting various calls with fourth official Álvaro Santos. One of the moments that most angered the red and white bench occurred in a play between Gianluca Prestianni and Igor Julião, with the Argentine complaining about the opponent's challenges throughout the match. When Prestianni fell in the box and Benfica claimed a potential penalty, the protests intensified.
Simão Sabrosa also joined the complaints, especially in plays where the coaching staff believed a yellow card should have been shown. The tension reached such a point that assistant coach Gonçalo Santos was ultimately reprimanded by the main referee. Sérgio Guelho managed, however, to control the emotions and calm the situation.
