Last night the first legs of the Portuguese Cup semi-finals took place, with Benfica and FC Porto expected to take a big step towards setting up a “clássico” final at Jamor in May. But Famalicão and Académico do Viseu had not read the script.
In a terrific match at the Estádio da Luz, the lead changed hands three times as a last-gasp goal saw Benfica emerge 3-2 winners. Many observers, however, will agree with the appraisal of Familacão boss João Pedro Sousa, who said in the post-match press conference: “We are not happy, I think we were the better team.”
Porto were also given a tough runout at second-tier side Académico de Viseu. Zé Luís gave the visitors the lead, but the hosts equalised through João Mário to ensure they go into the return leg all square. The second legs take place next Tuesday 12 February. Match details and video highlights below.
The Liga NOS action continued this week and saw a new entrant into the top 3 as Braga replaced Sporting in 3rd by beating them in another tense encounter between the two rivals. Benfica and Porto remained above the pair after recording victories over Belenenses and Vitória Setúbal respectively.
Sporting have been overtaken in third place of the Primeira Liga table after Francisco Trincão awarded Sporting de Braga, the new podium entree, a vital 1-0 triumph at home, this Sunday.
The final stages of the Taça da Liga saw the Primeira Liga schedule spill over all the way until Wednesday night as Braga followed up their success in the aforementioned tournament by concluding Round 18 in the league with victory over Moreirense.
In a prolonged round of games, the 18th jornada in Portugal brought wins for Benfica and Porto to further widen the gap between the top two and the rest (now 12 points). A Rafa Silva-inspired Benfica saw off Paços de Ferreira 2-0, the recently returned Portugal international bagging a goal and an assist. Porto got back to winning ways, coming from behind to defeat Gil Vicente 2-1 at the Estádio do Dragão to keep their slim title hopes alive.