Porto revive old tricks to unsettle Benfica before Portuguese Cup 🏆 | OneFootball

In the early hours before the classic match between Porto and Benfica, set to decide the qualification for the semi-finals of the Taça de Portugal, the Eagles' team was surprised by fireworks launched near the hotel in Gaia, where they stayed overnight. The incident occurred around three in the morning and interrupted the players' rest.

This type of occurrence is not unprecedented and has been recorded in previous clashes between the rivals, generally being a way for fans to try to disrupt the opponents' preparation before big games. Such episodes reinforce the historic rivalry between Porto and Benfica, and every detail off the field is closely monitored by the teams and authorities.

Despite the scare, the Reds, coached by José Mourinho, maintained their focus and continued their preparation for the important duel against the Blues. The management of logistics and security was essential to minimize any impact on the squad's performance.

Regarding the game itself, Benfica has some reasons to smile, as Enzo Barrenechea, who was considered completely out of the match, is expected to play, as well as António Silva. On the other hand, Bruma, who is already training with his teammates, is likely to miss the match.

The classic is scheduled for next Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The match will start at 8:45 PM at Estádio do Dragão. The decisive match is part of the quarter-finals of the Taça de Portugal Generali Tranquilidade, promising strong emotions, and will be broadcast on RTP 1.

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