PORTO, PORTUGAL — Jan Bednarek's 15th-minute header sent FC Porto into the Taça de Portugal semi-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Benfica in Wednesday's quarter-final clash at Estádio do Dragão. The Polish defender's early strike separated two sides locked in fierce tactical combat, as Porto's defensive discipline proved the difference against Jose Mourinho's Eagles, who dominated possession but lacked the cutting edge to find an equalizer.
The decisive moment arrived early in what would become a tightly contested battle. Gabriel Veiga delivered a corner from the right flank, and Bednarek timed his run perfectly, rising above the Benfica defense to power a header past Anatoliy Trubin. The goal sent the home crowd into raptures and gave Porto the platform to execute their game plan. It exposed a momentary defensive lapse from Mourinho's side, far removed from the organizational standards the legendary coach built his reputation on.
Benfica controlled much of the possession after falling behind, spending extended periods in Porto's half and creating several dangerous opportunities. Vangelis Pavlidis proved the most persistent threat, testing Diogo Costa with efforts inside the box, while Gianluca Prestianni also forced the Porto captain into action. Costa, who wore the armband for the Dragons, produced crucial saves to protect his team's slender advantage, particularly denying Benfica's attackers in one-on-one situations. A second-half effort from a Benfica midfielder whistled just past Costa's left post, nearly drawing the visitors level.
The statistics told the story of contrasting approaches. Benfica edged possession 53% to 47% and registered 15 total shots compared to Porto's 11, but the home side proved more clinical where it mattered. Porto recorded five shots on target to Benfica's three, and their defensive organization meant that quantity of chances couldn't overcome quality of execution. The Eagles earned just three corners to Porto's seven, reflecting the Dragons' ability to control dangerous areas despite ceding territorial control. Both teams showed intensity throughout, reflected in the disciplinary count that saw multiple yellow cards shown to players from both sides.
Porto's tactical discipline became increasingly evident as the match wore on. After Bednarek's goal, coach Francesco Farioli's squad settled into a compact defensive shape, daring Benfica to break them down. The second half developed into a slower, more calculated affair as Porto expertly managed the tempo, frustrating Benfica's attempts to generate sustained attacking momentum. Key substitutions helped preserve the lead—Bednarek himself was withdrawn along with Martim Fernandes, replaced by Alberto Costa and Alan Varela to shore up the defense. Pepê made way for Stephen Eustáquio as Porto prioritized control over creativity.
For Benfica, the defeat extended their difficult spell. Having already crashed out of the Taça da Liga following a 3-1 semi-final loss to Braga, Mourinho's men saw another domestic trophy opportunity slip away. The Eagles now sit third in the Primeira Liga, trailing Porto by 10 points, making the Portuguese Cup their most realistic path to silverware beyond the Super Cup they claimed at the season's start. The lack of finishing quality proved costly—despite their possession and chances created, Benfica couldn't find the breakthrough against a Porto side that has now won 12 of their last 13 matches across all competitions.
Porto's victory confirmed their status as Portugal's team in form, extending their unbeaten domestic streak and maintaining their commanding position atop the Primeira Liga. The Dragons now advance to the Taça de Portugal semi-finals, keeping alive their hopes of completing a domestic double. For Benfica, the immediate challenge shifts to European competition, where they must regroup and channel their frustrations into upcoming fixtures. This hard-fought Clássico triumph delivers Porto not just a semi-final berth, but a powerful psychological edge in Portugal's most storied rivalry.