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| Benfica fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Porto in the Portuguese Classico, as Leandro Barreiro scored a dramatic late equalizer at Estadio da Luz. |
Benfica were forced to settle for a point after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Porto in the heated Portuguese Classico on Sunday. A late equalizer from Leandro Barreiro in the 88th minute denied Porto a crucial victory at Estadio da Luz.
Despite surrendering a two-goal lead, Porto remain four points clear at the top of the Primeira Liga standings. Benfica, meanwhile, extended their impressive unbeaten run in the league.
The match delivered high intensity from the start, with both sides battling fiercely in one of Portugal’s most historic football rivalries.
Porto Take Control In The First Half
Porto made a strong start and broke the deadlock in the 10th minute through Victor Froholdt.
The move began when Froholdt slipped behind Benfica’s defensive line. His first shot was saved by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, but the midfielder reacted quickly to tap in the rebound and give Porto an early lead.
The visitors doubled their advantage five minutes before halftime. Gabri Veiga delivered a precise through ball to Oskar Pietuszewski, who skillfully beat Nicolas Otamendi before firing a powerful left-footed strike past Trubin.
Porto entered the break with a commanding 2-0 lead.
Benfica Respond In The Second Half
Benfica showed a much stronger performance after the interval and increased the pressure on Porto’s defense.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 69th minute. Substitute Dodi Lukebakio struck a shot that hit the base of the left post, but the rebound fell kindly to Andreas Schjelderup, who smashed the ball into the roof of the net to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
The goal lifted Benfica’s momentum as they continued pushing forward in search of an equalizer.
Barreiro’s Late Goal Rescues Benfica
Just when Porto appeared to be heading for victory, Benfica produced a dramatic late comeback.
In the 88th minute, substitute Leandro Barreiro connected perfectly with a teasing cross from Franjo Ivanovic. His volley flew into the bottom-left corner, leaving goalkeeper Diogo Costa with no chance.
The goal secured a 2-2 draw and sparked celebrations among the home supporters at Estadio da Luz.
Benfica Extend Impressive Unbeaten Run
The result extended Benfica’s remarkable unbeaten streak in the Primeira Liga to 40 matches.
It marks one of the longest unbeaten runs in Portuguese top-flight history since the 1959–60 season. Similar streaks have previously been achieved by Porto and Benfica themselves in different eras.
However, Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho was unable to defeat his former club once again. Mourinho has now failed to win in his last three meetings against Porto.
Match Statistics
Statistically, Benfica produced more attacking attempts during the match.
The hosts recorded 20 shots with an expected goals (xG) total of 1.3. Porto, on the other hand, produced 14 shots but generated a higher xG value of 2.14.
Despite dropping points, Porto remain at the top of the Primeira Liga table with a four-point advantage over their closest challengers.
The dramatic draw highlighted Benfica’s resilience after recovering from a two-goal deficit. Porto, meanwhile, will regret missing the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the standings.
With the season entering its decisive stages, the race for the Primeira Liga title remains wide open.
Berita Terkini, Eksklusif di WhatsApp Borneotribun.com
