Estádio do Dragão sold out for FC Porto v Benfica derby | OneFootball

The first match of the year at Estádio do Dragão pits FC Porto against Benfica at 8:45 p.m. this Wednesday (RTP1); the winner, determined in regulation time, extra time, or by penalty shootout, will secure a place in the semi-finals of the Portuguese Cup.

On their way to the quarter-finals, FC Porto eliminated CD Celoricense (0-4), SU Sintrense (3-0), and FC Famalicão (4-1). Benfica, on the other hand, knocked out GD Chaves (0-2), Atlético CP (0-2), and SC Farense (0-2).

The players coached by Francesco Farioli arrive with seven consecutive victories, having won 23 of the first 27 matches of the season and completed the best first half of the league’s history, amassing 49 points out of a possible 51.

The team managed by José Mourinho has, in their last three games, one win, one draw, and one loss – both against SC Braga – and sits third in the table with 39 points. The last derby between the two clubs ended goalless, on October 5.

In the 257 matches played so far between the two teams, the Blues have won 102, drawn 62, and lost 93, with 374 goals scored and 398 conceded. At home in Invicta, FC Porto’s record is even more favorable: in 120 games, they have 70 wins, 30 draws, and 19 losses, with 232 goals scored and 126 conceded.

Tickets sold out in just a few hours and a full house is expected at Estádio do Dragão. Activities in the Friendzone start at 5:00 p.m., the gates open at 6:45 p.m., and the minimum membership quota required for entry is December’s.

FC PortoAfter “a very positive week” of training camp in the Algarve, the main squad states they are “focused on the classic against Benfica” and Francesco Farioli promises “the commitment to step onto the pitch and give everything for the Porto family, from the fans who will be at Estádio do Dragão to those watching the game on television,” reminding everyone that “there is nothing more important than FC Porto and no one is more important than FC Porto.”

Aware of the need to “enter with the right attitude and spirit to try to do better than in the first classic” against an opponent that is “very good and highly adaptable,” the Italian coach demands a team “prepared for all scenarios” and “focused on what it can control.” “The opponent’s decisions are not in our hands. We don’t know what pressure and intensity to expect, but we’ll be ready for anything,” he said at a press conference in Olival.

With Francisco Moura “out due to injury,” the coaching staff has explored “various combinations” and Francesco Farioli highlighted that “the arrival of Thiago Silva has brought new solutions.” The Brazilian international “returned in great physical condition,” has already been “integrated into the group dynamic during the training camp,” and “is ready to start the game” if needed.

In the week he renewed his contract with the club, the coach thanked “all the players for the work and attitude shown over the past six months” and admitted that the renewal could not have come at a better time: “It came at a special moment, at a time when we are all united, and it was perfect to close one cycle, but we have another one that starts right away with the match against Benfica.”

With the future presenting “full of challenges,” the priority remains “work, attitude, and the daily desire to try to be better,” since “results are a consequence of the work done during the week.” “We haven’t achieved anything yet, we’re halfway through the race. Football changes very quickly, this challenge is decisive and our energy has to be aligned,” he emphasized, looking ahead to the rest of the season.

According to the medical report, Francisco Moura has already trained in a limited capacity, while Nehuén Pérez and Luuk de Jong only underwent treatment for their respective injuries. Oskar Pietuszewski trained for the first time at CTFD Jorge Costa, after FIFA approved the documentation for his transfer – a longer process since he is under 18 – and “it’s possible he will be called up.”

BenficaBenfica has played 33 matches this season – 21 wins, seven draws, and five losses – won the Super Cup at the end of July and, like FC Porto, remains unbeaten in the league. With José Mourinho in charge, the Lisbon side has 14 wins, five draws, and four losses, and was recently eliminated from the League Cup by finalist SC Braga.

Samuel Soares guarded the Benfica goal in the first three rounds of the main competition, but is among the doubts for the derby due to physical problems – along with António Silva, Alexander Bah, Enzo Barrenechea, and Dodi Lukebakio.

Referee TeamFábio Veríssimo, from the Leiria Football Association, was appointed by the Refereeing Council of the Portuguese Football Federation. The 43-year-old referee will be assisted by Pedro Martins and Hugo Marques, with Miguel Nogueira as fourth official. VAR will be Luís Ferreira, accompanied by Nuno Eiras.

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