As you were at the top of the Primeira Liga after Benfica and Porto play out 2-2 thriller in Lisbon | OneFootball

Benfica left-back Samuel Dahl and Porto midfielder Alan Varela tussle for possession of the ball (Photo: Arlindo Homem ©)

In a match that could have significant implications in the 2025/26 Portuguese title race, bitter rivals Benfica and Porto shared four goals in a terrific spectacle at the Estádio da Luz this afternoon.

For much of the match it seemed the Dragons would be taking home the points and thus return to Porto with one hand on the championship title. First-half goals from Victor Froholdt and Oskar Pietuszewski put the Blue and Whites in charge.

José Mourinho took his time to make changes, but when he did the incoming players all made a positive impact. Substitute Dodi Lukebakio’s shot off the post allowed the excellent Andreas Schjelderup to score from the follow-up, and when two other subs combined – Leandro Barreiro volleying in Franjo Ivanovic’s cross – it seemed Benfica may pull off an unlikely win having been second-best for most of the match.

There was no further scoring though, and with both matches involving the three title contenders finishing 2-2 this weekend, all three of Porto, Sporting and Benfica may feel it is a chance missed. On the flip side, the title race remains alive although Porto remain in the box seat with a four-point lead at the summit and eight matches remaining. Tom Kundert & Sahir Bhojwani report from the Estádio da Luz.

The individual battle between Andreas Schjelderup and Alberto Costa was a highlight of an entertaining Clássico (Photo: Arlindo Homem ©)

Mourinho’s high press fails to deliver

There was an electric and intimidating atmosphere that greeted Francesco Farioli and his first-place FC Porto side at the Estádio da Luz. When the smoke from countless flares in the stands finally settled (the referee was forced to pause the match for nearly five minutes), Benfica looked to be the hungrier side, taking the initiative and pushing men forward. The Benfiquistas were up for the fight, cheering on every kick, tackle, and decision that fell their way.

Farioli, however, had a plan of his own in place, and his players executed it to perfection.

Pavlidis recorded the first shot of the match in the 8th minute, forcing an early save from Costa, but it was Porto that struck the first blow. Mourinho’s aim of pressing the visitors with a high line backfired early on when a perfectly weighted pass from Varela matched up with a well-timed Froholdt run down the centre of the pitch. Benfica were caught off guard with the Danish midfielder giving himself a healthy head start. Trubin was well positioned to steer away his first shot but the Benfica keeper could do little to stop the follow-up from Froholdt. A vital early goal to relieve the pressure on the Dragons and silence a boisterous crowd.

Costa reflex save

In the 23rd minute, Benfica nearly levelled in the unlikeliest of fashion. A low cross from Rafa Silva that was deflected by Martim Fernandes, forcing a terrific reflex save from Costa. An early example of why the stopper has become such a staple in the national team’s lineup.

Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa made a miraculous reflex save to prevent an equalising Martim Fernandes own goal (Photo: Arlindo Homem ©)

Prestianni was lively early in the match, making himself a nuisance for Porto’s defender with his quick feet and fancy footwork. A thrilling individual run from the Argentine midfielder resulted in a dangerous free kick that Schjelderup nearly curled into the top left corner, with the ball flying inches wide.

Benfica did their best to push forward and take the initiative, but had to be cautious of Porto's ability to counter with such effectiveness. Froholdt, in particular, was finding acres of space in the centre of the park.

Prestianni had another great opportunity after a smart pass from Pavlidis connected with the winger’s dashing run down the left wing.

Things started to get tense shortly after. A hard foul from Otamendi saw the Benfica captain pick up a yellow as he tried to break up a counterattack. Veiga’s fiery reaction left the referee with no choice but to shell out a second yellow seconds later.

Pietuszewski exposes Otamendi

Just when the Eagles seemed to be working themselves back into the affair, Pietuszewski’s blistering pace caught their defence off guard, exposing their high line once again. The 17-year-old attacker, took his chance beautifully, dancing around the Otamendi to create some space and fire past Trubin.

It could have been three before the half if not for an outstretched save by Trubin from a Veiga free kick. A scoreline that would have definitely been unjust for Benfica.

Porto stand-in striker Deniz Gül, deputising for the injured Samu, kept Benfica centre-backs Otamendi and Tomás Araújo busy (Photo: Arlindo Homem ©)

A tale of two halves

Porto began by doing what they do best, playing out the back and ensuring they kept their shape. The visitors remained reliant on the counterattack and played the game at their pace, a strategy that worked effectively during the first quarter of the second half.

Benfica grew into the match as the second half progressed. Some smart passing in the box between Rafa and Dedic saw the veteran midfielder produce a wonderful opportunity in the 58th minute. Rafa, though, seemed to fumble in the final moment and lashed his shot well wide.

Lukebakio makes instant impact

Just when things seemed to be falling in place for Porto, the breakthrough came from a player who has been one of Mourinho’s most reliable soldiers. A run from substitute Lukebakio down the right wing finished with the winger unleashing a left-footed curler to the back post. The ball seemed destined for the back of the net before bouncing back off the post. Schjelderup, charging into the box, gathered himself and managed to stay on his feet and shovel the ball into the net with his right foot. Suddenly, a game that seemed out of reach had some life in it.

Benfica forward Rafa Silva, bar one second-half chance, did not have much impact on the match (Photo: Arlindo Homem ©)

Mourinho’s substitutions had the desired effect. Lukebakio was excellent when he came on, but it turned out to be two other substitutes that had the final say in this clash. With time ticking away, Ivanovic found himself with space down the right wing. His early cross sailed past Porto’s defenders and it was Barreiro, a player who has been in fine form recently, who delivered a clinical finish to level the tie and send the spectators into a state of euphoria.

There was plenty of drama and fire in the final stages of this one, unfortunately, most of it taking place off the pitch where several members of the coaching staff were shown cards.

In the closing minutes, there was a late shout for a penalty for the home supporters, but it would have been harsh for the referee to award what seemed to be a 50-50 clash between Pavlidis and Porto’s keeper Costa.

Benfica 2-2 Porto highlights

Benfica: Anatoliy Trubin, Amar Dedic (Alexander Bah, 82’), Nicolás Otamendi (António Silva, 74’), Tomás Araújo, Samuel Dahl, Richard Ríos, Enzo Barrenechea (Leandro Barreiro, 75’), Gianluca Prestianni (Dodi Lukebakio, 65’), Rafa Silva (Franjo Ivanovic, 65’), Andreas Schjelderup, Vangelis Pavlidis

Porto: Diogo Costa, Alberto Costa, Jan Bednarek, Jakub Kiwior, Martim Fernandes (Francisco Moura, 58’, Gabri Veiga (Seko Fofana, 46’), Alan Varela, Victor Froholdt, Pepê (William Gomes, 46’), Deniz Gül (Terem Moffi, 77’), Oskar Pietuszewski (Borja Sainz, 63’)

Goals:

[1-2] Andreas Schjelderup, 69’

[2-2] Leandro Barreiro, 88’