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FC Porto and OC Barcelos will meet in the Elite Cup final for the second time in the competition’s history, following their semi-final victories, according to multiple reports. The clash, scheduled for Sunday at 20:00, reunites the teams that previously faced off in the 2021 final, which OC Barcelos won 6-3. This year’s semi-finals saw OC Barcelos overcome Benfica, the three-time reigning champions, with a 1-2 aggregate win, while FC Porto secured a 4-2 victory over Oliveirense.
The FC Porto vs. Oliveirense semi-final featured a dramatic first-half lead, with the Dragões taking a 2-0 advantage through goals from Carlo Di Benedetto and Ezequiel Mena. Oliveirense responded with two second-half goals from Bruno Di Benedetto and João Almeida, but FC Porto’s resilience prevailed, with Mena and Di Benedetto scoring again to seal the 4-2 result. OC Barcelos’ semi-final against Benfica was more tightly contested, with the Barcelos side advancing after a 1-2 aggregate win, including a 1-0 halftime lead.
Second Final Reunion
The 2021 Elite Cup final marked OC Barcelos’ first title, while FC Porto has yet to claim the trophy. The 2021 final, held after the tournament’s integration into the official federation calendar, saw OC Barcelos triumph 6-3, a result that remains a key point of reference for this year’s rematch.
Semifinal Highlights
FC Porto’s semi-final against Oliveirense was defined by a fast-paced first half, during which the Dragões established a 2-0 lead. The visitors’ recovery in the second half, including two goals from Bruno Di Benedetto and João Almeida, brought the score to 2-2 before FC Porto regained control. Ezequiel Mena and Carlo Di Benedetto ultimately secured the win, with Di Benedetto scoring a decisive free-kick in the final minutes. Record noted that Xavier Malián’s saves were critical in maintaining the lead.
OC Barcelos’ semi-final against Benfica was marked by a 1-0 halftime advantage, which they extended to a 2-1 aggregate win.
Additional Semifinal Details
In the FC Porto vs. Oliveirense semi-final, Carlo Di Benedetto opened the scoring at 15’ with a goal assisted by Hélder Nunes, while Ezequiel Mena added a second goal at 21’ through an individual effort. Oliveirense’s Bruno Di Benedetto scored at 28’ and João Almeida at 33’ to equalize. Ezequiel Mena restored FC Porto’s lead at 40’ following another assist from Hélder Nunes, but the Dragões faced challenges after Ezequiel Mena received a yellow card at 46’. Xavier Malián made several key saves to preserve the lead, and Carlo Di Benedetto sealed the 4-2 victory with a free-kick at 49’.
The semi-final between Barcelos and Benfica saw the latter take an early 1-0 lead through João Rodrigues, but Carlitos and Miguel Rocha turned the result in FC Porto’s favor. OC Barcelos advanced to the final with a 2-1 aggregate win, including a 1-0 halftime advantage.
Quarter-Final Context
Before reaching the semi-finals, FC Porto overcame AD Sanjoanense 7-3 in the quarter-finals. Carlo Di Benedetto scored twice, while Pol Manrubia and Rafa Costa also found the net. The match saw Xavier Malián make critical saves, and young player Gonçalo Leal made his senior debut for the club.