FC Porto flag serious refereeing errors in youth clash with Benfica | OneFootball

FC Porto delivered harsh criticism of the refereeing after the 3-3 draw with Benfica in the championship phase of the national U-19 league, a result that delayed the blue-and-whites’ title win.

In Porto’s view, there were two decisive incidents in the clássico against Benfica. The first came in the 66th minute, when a penalty was awarded to the Lisbon side following a challenge by an FC Porto player with his legs. The second came in stoppage time, at 90+4 minutes, in a move where a clear foul on Porto goalkeeper Antoni Nikolov was claimed, but the infringement was not given. As the play continued, Benfica won the corner that led to the equalising goal.

The match ended level at three goals each. After Benfica had gone ahead, FC Porto turned the game around through Duarte Cunha in the 77th minute and Anha Candé in the 80th. Late on, Mauro Furtado scored again for the Eagles from the penalty spot in the 85th minute, before Nilson Semedo made it 3-3 at 90+5.

With this outcome, FC Porto were left one point away from securing the national U-19 title, with the decision postponed until the next round. At the end, the dominant feeling on Porto’s side was one of strong dissatisfaction, convinced that refereeing decisions had prevented the team from wrapping up the championship there and then.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.