Benfica 2-2 Porto
Benfica avoided letting Porto seal the league title in an electrifying ‘O Classico’ that ended with Mourinho sent to the stands. A stoppage-time goal from Barreiro in the 88th minute secured a 2-2 draw for the ‘Eagles’ after they trailed 0-2 at halftime.
‘O Classico’ is always a special occasion in Portugal, and this edition did not disappoint. After going into the break two goals down, Benfica equalized late to preserve their unbeaten record and, in doing so, prevented Porto from effectively ending the title race. Mourinho lost his composure and was sent off.
From the start, Mourinho surprised by overhauling the double pivot, opting for Barrenechea and Richard Ríos. For Porto, Farioli handed a start at left-back to Martim Fernandes, just back from injury, alongside Kiwior, Froholdt, Veiga, Gül, and Pietuszewski—all of whom were substitutes in the Taça match against Sporting.
Despite the match being briefly halted at kick-off due to smoke bombs that created an impenetrable haze over Da Luz, the game began at a frantic pace. Within the first 10 minutes, Varela spotted a gap in Benfica’s defense and set Victor Froholdt through, who fired past Trubin after an initial miss. The Danish midfielder continued his impressive run, having scored or assisted in Porto’s last three Primeira Liga matches.
Tension simmered as every duel became a small battle, with Porto seemingly gaining the upper hand. Benfica finally showed their threat when Rafa Silva’s dangerous cross, deflected off Martim Fernandes, forced a reflex save. Just before the half-hour mark, Schjelderup curled a free kick—earned by Prestianni, Benfica’s most active player in the final third—just wide of the woodwork. Da Luz sensed an equalizer was near as the home side grew into the game.
However, Porto adopted a more reactive approach, looking to counterattack, and were rewarded five minutes before halftime. Youngster Pietuszewski produced a moment of brilliance, leaving Otamendi on the floor with a dazzling run before finishing. In stoppage time, Trubin had to be alert to tip over a Gabri Veiga free kick that could have killed the game. Both Veiga and Pepe were substituted at halftime—both were on yellow cards and Farioli wanted to avoid any risk.
With Seko Fofana introduced in midfield, Porto reinforced their game plan further, aiming to break quickly. Alberto Costa raced from his own half and forced a one-on-one save from Trubin. Borja Sáinz also came on, returning after missing several games due to the passing of his mother.
Mourinho made changes: Ivanovic formed a strike partnership with Pavlidis, and Lukébakio replaced Prestianni on the right wing. The former Sevilla winger made an immediate impact. On one of his first touches, he smashed a shot against the post, and Schjelderup was on hand to tap in the rebound, cutting the deficit in the 66th minute.
The match turned into an end-to-end affair from there. Porto accepted the exchange of blows, but it ultimately cost them dearly when, in the 88th minute, Barreiro arrived undetected in the box to convert Ivanovic’s cross from the right flank, making it 2-2. Mourinho’s gamble paid off in the end.
