Benfica Stuns FC Porto with Historic 4-1 Victory in O Clássico

In front of a buzzing Estádio da Luz, Benfica put on a masterclass against FC Porto, securing a 4-1 victory that rewrote several historical records.

Not since 1964 had Benfica scored four goals against Porto in a league match. For Porto, this defeat represented their heaviest in a league Clássico in the 21st century and marked their worst away record in over 70 years, losing all four consecutive away league games against rivals.

The match began under intense pressure following Sporting’s comeback victory over Braga earlier in the day, placing both Benfica and FC Porto in a must-win situation. Early nerves were evident, but Benfica gradually took control. While Porto had slightly more possession, it was Benfica who looked the more dangerous side, with Ángel Di María threatening repeatedly.

Benfica’s Álvaro Fernández opened the scoring with a right-footed strike, a goal that seemed to deflate Porto’s confidence. Benfica continued to exploit defensive gaps in Porto’s backline, exposing an uncharacteristically shaky defence. Pavlidis and Di María’s efforts kept the pressure on, with Di María eventually netting Benfica’s second goal in the 56th minute. Shortly afterward, Nehuén Pérez added a third, and Di María scored again from the penalty spot, sealing a 4-1 rout and leaving Porto in disarray.

❤‍🔥 The win is ours! 🦅#SLBFCP • #LigaPortugalBetclic pic.twitter.com/d3XLt4DhFx

— SL Benfica (@slbenfica_en) November 10, 2024

A Night of Frustration for FC Porto

Porto’s disjointed performance led to frustration among their fans, who took to social media to criticise coach Vítor Bruno. With calls for his resignation growing louder, fans voiced their dissatisfaction over the lack of tactical cohesion and intensity. Comments on Porto’s social channels ranged from disappointment in the players’ performances to anger at the club’s current direction under Bruno’s management. The Dragons’ fans, accustomed to fierce performances in Clássicos, felt humiliated by the loss and questioned the team’s ability to compete for titles this season.

“Today at Luz, we were humiliated,” one fan commented, expressing sentiments echoed across social media. Another fan lamented, “This is not Porto. Roll up your sleeves and get to work.”

Site Opinion

This Clássico marked a turning point, not just in terms of Benfica’s resurgence but also in the ongoing crisis within Porto’s ranks. Benfica’s victory, powered by standout performances from players like Di María and Tomás Araújo, underscored a cohesive team strategy and a renewed hunger for success. With this win, Benfica demonstrated that they are ready to challenge for the title, boasting a high-energy style that fans have missed in recent years.

Porto, on the other hand, find themselves at a crossroads. The team has struggled to find its identity under Vítor Bruno, and the fans’ discontent is not unfounded. While talent is not in short supply, Porto’s inconsistent performances raise questions about the tactical clarity and resilience needed to compete at the highest level. If the Dragons are to contend for silverware this season, a reassessment of their approach and perhaps a change in leadership might be necessary.