O Benfica needed to sweat to eliminate Torreense (2-3 after extra time) in accessing the semi-finals of the Portuguese Cup, this Sunday, in a match that featured two rematches, after having seen the FC Porto make history by beating Marítimo on penalties (5-6), after a draw (1-1) recorded after 120 minutes.
In Torres Vedras, the Eagles managed to put themselves ahead before the break, through the opening goal scored by Anna Gasper (17′), but were unable to avoid the sudden comeback from the current holder of the trophy at the start of the second half, first with the equalizer scored by Jenna Tivnan (49′) and then with the penalty converted by Ava Seelenfreund (60′).
The team coached by Ivan Baptista didn’t take long to respond, with Caroline Moller’s accurate header (66′), so the decisions ended up being postponed until extra time, despite both teams being close to a third (and perhaps decisive) goal.
In that chapter, Benfica knew how to take revenge against Torreense, after losing the battles in the Portuguese Cup and Super Cup finals, ending up reaching the 3-2 final, with a double from Caroline Moller (104′).
FC Porto made history heading into the semis
This morning, FC Porto saw Marítimo take the lead in the first few seconds, with Fatumata Sissé’s early goal (1′), and the draw only came in the second half, thanks to Lara Perruca’s accurate shot (55′).
With no more goals to be recorded, either in the 90 minutes or in extra time, penalties followed, with a 5-6 score in favor of the blue and white team, who made history by advancing to the semi-finals for the first time.
Two ‘big ones’ and two rivals from Minho in the fight for the final
The first team to confirm a place in the semis was Vitória SC, who defeated Famalicão (3-0) this Saturday, one day before the remaining quarter matches of the Portuguese queen’s competition in the women’s chapter. This Sunday, Sporting de Braga eliminated Rio Ave, with a comeback (2-1).
This means that Benfica will face off against Sporting de Braga, in the fight for a place in the Portuguese Cup final, while the historic FC Porto will discuss with Vitória SC the other place in the final duel at Jamor, scheduled for May 17th. The sock duels, held over two legs, will take place in February and March.
Sporting’s triumph in the Classic resulted in FC Porto’s first defeat in the women’s volleyball championship, on a day in which champion Benfica fell behind in the race for the podium, after being defeated by Vitória SC.
Miguel Simões | 16:39 – 01/18/2026
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