Benfica win at the Dragao over Porto

Benfica went into the Dragao looking to snap a nine game win less run against FC Porto in all competitions and put that streak to rest with a 1-0 victory over ten man Porto with a second half goal from Rafa Silva. Benfica remain unbeaten on the season and more importantly are now six points clear of their second place rivals after ten league games.

Porto came out flying to start the game as they looked to send a message to their rivals but were undone when midfielder Stephen Eustaquio was shown a red card at the 27th minute mark, picking up his second yellow card for a hard late challenge on Benfica right back Alexander Bah. Eustaquio let his emotions get the best of him with the pair of yellows coming just three minute apart and both against Bah.

HIGHLIGHTS

Benfica almost opened the scoring at the 37th minute when Fredrik Aursnes' shot went off the post directly to Rafa Silva, the winger sent his header off the cross bar with a wide open goal. Benfica manager Schmidt then decided to make a triple substitution at the half, with a build up of yellow cards and a fear of seeing his club reduced to ten man.

The second half was a hard fought encounter and it was not until the 72nd mark that a pretty give and go between David Neres and Rafa Silva, saw the later open the scoring for Benfica. The goal was not without its controversy after first being waved off for offside before a VAR review over turned the on field call and gave Benfica the lead.

Benfica almost doubled their lead in injury time but Porto keeper Diogo Costa batted away a cross deflected off his own defender off the goal line. The game ended with Porto manager Sergio Conceicao picking up a red card after he showed his displeasure with the result of the game.

Benfica will now face Juventus on Tuesday needing a point to advance to the round of 16.