Benfica made a winning start to their Europa Cup campaign in Denmark, beating Bakken Bears 91-81 and spending only 15 seconds behind. A 20-minute delay for technical problems in the arena did not stop them from taking control early, then rebuilding it after Bakken Bears briefly threatened a comeback.
Benfica's control in Denmark
Benfica started strongly and built an 11-2 lead, then went into the break 38-36 ahead before stretching the margin to 65-50 by the end of the third period. Bakken Bears did put together a 12-0 run and briefly moved in front at 33-32, but Benfica answered each time the game tightened.
That is also the shape of their start to the 2026-27 campaign. Benfica came into the game on four wins in their last five fixtures, are second in the Primeira Liga with 16 points from 7 matches, and are now seventh in the Europa League standings after one match with 3 points and a 2-goal difference.
Broussard's scoring edge
Aaron Broussard was the standout for Benfica, finishing with 27 points and taking over at the moments when the visitors pulled away again. Aleksander Dziewa added 18 points and nine rebounds, which gave Benfica a second scoring option when Bakken Bears tried to force the pace.
Benfica's opener was not decided by one run alone. It was decided by their ability to survive the wobble, reclaim the lead and close it out from the front.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
