Porto vs Benfica: Preview, Predictions, Team News, and Lineups
On Wednesday, Porto will confront Benfica in an exhilarating quarter-final match of the Taca de Portugal at Estadio do Dragao. This high-stakes encounter is part of the ongoing rivalry known as O Classico, showcasing some of the best talent in Portuguese football.
Match Background
Porto reached this stage by triumphing over lower-division opponents Celoricense and Sintrense, before edging past Famalicao with a strong 4-1 performance. Conversely, Benfica’s path to the quarter-finals included victories against Chaves, Atletico CP, and Farense.
Porto’s Current Form
- Recent Match: Porto defeated Famalicao 4-1 on December 18, 2025.
- Overall Record: Porto has secured 11 wins in their last 12 matches, suffering only one loss.
- League Standing: Porto currently sits at the top of the Primeira Liga, six points ahead of the competition.
- Home Performance: The team boasts a robust home record of 12 wins in 14 matches this season.
Benfica’s Challenges
Despite their success in recent O Classico encounters, Benfica’s recent form has raised concerns. They were eliminated from the Taca da Liga in the semi-finals, marking the end of a remarkable 22-match unbeaten streak.
- Recent Record: Benfica has won just one of their last three matches, with a notable 3-1 victory against Estoril Praia.
- Current Position: They are currently third in the Primeira Liga, trailing Porto by ten points.
- Historical Context: Benfica lost to Porto 3-0 at the same stage of the Taca de Portugal in December 2021.
Team News
Porto Updates
Porto will be without striker Luuk de Jong due to a long-term knee injury. Nehuen Perez and Tomas Perez are also recovering from injuries. Francisco Moura is a doubt after a recent match but will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
Benfica Updates
Benfica faces significant challenges as well. Key players such as captain Nicolas Otamendi will be suspended following a red card. Additionally, several players, including Antonio Silva and Enzo Barrenechea, are doubtful, with others like Alexander Bah and Dodi Lukebakio confirmed out.
Predictions and Expectations
Analysts predict a closely contested match, with Porto having the edge due to their current form and home advantage. A likely scoreline favors Porto at 2-1, although Benfica’s attacking capabilities could lead to an unexpected twist.
| Team | Recent Form | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| Porto | 4 wins, 1 loss (last 5) | Samu Agehowa, Vangelis Pavlidis |
| Benfica | 1 win, 2 losses (last 3) | Nicolas Otamendi (suspended), Enzo Barrenechea (doubtful) |
The upcoming clash promises to be thrilling as both teams strive for progression in the Taca de Portugal. Fans will be eager to see how Porto’s home advantage and Benfica’s resilience will play out in this pivotal match.
