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Benfica opened its defense of the Campeonato Placard title on Wednesday with a 3-2 defeat against FC Porto at the Dragão Arena.
The result marked a challenging start for the reigning champions in the first round of the national roller hockey season.
Nil Roca provided both goals for the visitors, scoring in the 8th and 35th minutes. FC Porto responded through Carlo Di Benedetto, who found the net in the 31st minute, and Gonçalo Alves, who secured the win with goals in the 11th and 44th minutes.
The first half concluded in a 1-1 deadlock. Benfica dominated early possession, but the period was defined by missed opportunities, including a penalty kick from Zé Miranda that failed to convert, as documented by the club’s official match summary.
Benfica head coach Edu Castro attributed the loss to the clinical nature of the opposition rather than a lack of effort from his squad. “We entered very well, even in under-play situations. We were good in many phases of the game and FC Porto was effective in the occasions they had,” Castro told Maisfutebol.
Addressing the late goal from Gonçalo Alves, which secured the 3-2 win for FC Porto, the coach declined to offer excuses. “I don’t use excuses to justify what didn’t go well, because I think we did very well and sometimes these types of miracle plays happen,” Castro said in a report by A Bola.
“Our objective is very clear and it is to have a good season and return to defend the shield we have on our chest,” he told Maisfutebol, referring to their status as defending champions.
Benfica is scheduled to return to the court on Saturday, November 14, at 20:00 local time to face Riba d’Ave at the Pavilhão Fidelidade, as confirmed by the club’s official schedule.
