FC Porto’s women’s volleyball team kept their Liga Portuguesa title hopes alive with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Benfica in Game 4 of the semifinals, forcing a decisive fifth match to be played at the Dragão Arena. The win, secured on April 12, 2025, at the Pavilhão Fidelidade in Lisbon, extended the series and set up a winner-takes-all clash for a spot in the final.
The victory was built on balanced scoring and resilient defense, with outside hitter Milana Božić leading Porto with 22 points, including 18 kills and four blocks. Opposite hitter Tatiana Carvalho added 17 points, while setter Ana Catarina Silva orchestrated the offense with 38 assists and two service aces. Benfica fought back after dropping the first set 25-20, winning the second 25-22 behind strong performances from Brazilian outside hitter Tandara Caixeta (19 points) and Portuguese veteran Mariana Silva (15 points). However, Porto regained control in the third set, prevailing 25-21, and closed it out in the fourth 25-20 to force the decider.
The term “negra” in Portuguese volleyball parlance refers to the fifth and final match in a best-of-five series, a decider that carries immense weight in the knockout stages of the Liga Portuguesa. For Porto, winning Game 4 shifted the momentum entirely, especially after dropping the opening two games of the series at Benfica’s home court. The Dragão Arena in Porto, known for its loud and passionate volleyball crowds, will host the decisive match on April 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM WEST (6:00 PM UTC).
This semifinal series has been one of the most competitive in recent memory, with all four games decided by narrow margins. Game 1 saw Benfica edge Porto 25-23 in the fourth set after losing the opener, while Game 2 went the distance before Benfica won 15-12 in the fifth set. Porto bounced back in Game 3 with a straight-sets victory (25-20, 25-22, 25-18) to cut the deficit to 2-1. Now, with the series tied at 2-2, the stage is set for a historic showdown.
Head coach José Bernardo praised his team’s mental resilience after the match. “We knew Benfica would come out strong after losing at home,” Bernardo said in the post-match press conference. “But we stayed composed, executed our game plan, and forced them to play our style of volleyball. This team believes in each other, and that showed tonight.”
On the Benfica side, coach Guillermo Falasca acknowledged Porto’s adjustments but remained confident. “They served better and blocked smarter in the second half of the match,” Falasca said. “We had our chances, especially in the second and third sets, but we couldn’t capitalize. Now we reset and prepare for Game 5. One set decides everything.”
The winner of this semifinal will advance to face either Sporting CP or Águas Santas in the Liga Portuguesa final, depending on the outcome of the other semifinal series. As of April 12, Sporting CP held a 2-1 lead over Águas Santas, with Game 4 scheduled for April 13. If Sporting closes out the series, they would meet the Benfica-Porto winner in the final; if Águas Santas forces a decider, the final matchup remains uncertain until April 14.
Individually, the series has highlighted the depth of talent in Portugal’s top women’s volleyball league. Božić, a Serbian international who joined Porto in the offseason, has been a revelation, averaging 20.5 points per match in the playoffs. Her ability to score from all zones and contribute at the net has given Porto a versatile offensive weapon. Meanwhile, Benfica’s Tandara, a two-time Olympic medalist with Brazil, continues to deliver under pressure, though her team has struggled with consistency in reception and transition play.
Statistically, Porto has held a slight edge in key areas across the series. They lead in blocks per set (4.2 vs. 3.1) and service aces (3.8 vs. 2.9), while Benfica maintains a narrow advantage in digs (18.4 vs. 17.6) and reception efficiency (41% vs. 39%). These margins underscore the tight nature of the matchups, where small details often determine outcomes.
The Dragão Arena, primarily known as the home of FC Porto’s football team, has become a formidable venue for volleyball during the playoffs. With a capacity of over 50,000 for football, the basketball and volleyball configurations create an intimate, high-energy atmosphere that players frequently cite as a competitive advantage. For Game 5, organizers expect a near-capacity crowd for the volleyball setup, with tickets selling rapidly through official channels.
Looking ahead, the victor of this semifinal will not only advance to the final but also secure home-court advantage for the championship series, should it reach a deciding game. The Liga Portuguesa final follows a 2-2-1 format, meaning the team with the better regular-season record hosts Games 1, 2, and 5 if necessary. Porto finished second in the regular season behind Sporting CP, while Benfica placed third.
As both teams prepare for the final confrontation, the narrative has shifted from individual brilliance to collective execution. Porto will appear to maintain their serving pressure and block coverage, while Benfica must improve their side-out efficiency and reduce unforced errors, particularly in serve reception.
The winner of Game 5 will earn the right to compete for the Liga Portuguesa title, a trophy Benfica has won 11 times in its history, most recently in 2022. FC Porto, meanwhile, has claimed the championship eight times, with their last title coming in 2021. A victory would not only send Porto to the final but also mark their first appearance in the championship match since defeating Benfica in the 2021 semifinals.
For fans around the world following Portugal’s premier women’s volleyball league, the Benfica-Porto rivalry continues to deliver drama, athleticism, and high-stakes competition. With Game 5 set for April 15 at the Dragão Arena, the stage is set for one of the most anticipated matches of the domestic season.
The winner will be determined on the court, but the implications extend beyond a single match. Advancing to the final represents a step toward restoring domestic supremacy for either club, while the loser faces an early end to a season filled with promise.
As the countdown to Game 5 begins, one thing is certain: in the Liga Portuguesa semifinals, nothing is guaranteed until the final point is played.
For updates on the Liga Portuguesa semifinals and final, follow the official Portuguese Volleyball Federation website and the social media channels of FC Porto, and Benfica.
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