Farioli says Benfica’s level has risen ahead of Dragão clássico | OneFootball

Francesco Farioli says Benfica have raised their level and accepts Porto’s bid for back-to-back titles will be difficult.

According to Glorioso 1904, the Porto head coach was speaking after the 4-1 win over Casa Pia on matchday six of Liga Portugal Betclic, looking ahead to the Benfica clássico.

He said competitors’ standards have increased, pointing to their transfer business, the decisions they have taken and, in one case, a change of coach. Last season, he added, is gone, this campaign is a new chapter and a new battle for everyone.

Farioli explained preparation for the clássico would start the next morning, for his staff even earlier on the coach back. Porto have a full week to work, to be ready to host Benfica at the Dragão with the right spirit and a desire to deliver a big display for their supporters.

Porto are also the subject of a national row, with claims they sought to have Fábio Veríssimo removed from the 2025/26 Taça de Portugal quarter-final clássico because of a dispute between the two parties.

The next clássico is scheduled for Sunday 20 September at 20:30 at Estádio do Dragão, in the seventh round of Liga Portugal Betclic. Before then, Benfica host Gil Vicente and travel to Italy to face Milan.

Source: Glorioso 1904

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”