Porto beat Benfica 3-2 this Saturday, at Estadio do Dragao, in the matchday 20 of the Portuguese Championship. It was an important win to keep dreaming of being Portuguese champions. Sergio Oliveira, Alex Telles, and Rubens Dias, with an own goal, scored for Porto. Carlos Vinicius scored the two goals for the visitors.

Porto kicked off pressing a lot and stealing Benfica’s ball repeatedly at the start of the game. The first goal came in less than 10 minutes: Otavio made a great move from the right and crossed into the box. Sergio Oliveira struck a volley and put the ball into the back of the net.

Benfica reacted quickly and drew 8 minutes later, with Carlos Vinicius taking advantage of the rebound from a save by goalkeeper Marchesin. From then on the confrontation was a little more balanced, with the visiting team managing to work the ball more on the attack field.

But Porto were still dangerous and creating more opportunities. And then, they got a penalty. Soares headed the ball after a corner kick and it hit Ferro’s arm. VAR checked the play and the referee pointed the spot. Alex Telles stepped up and converted, putting the home side ahead once again.

Their third goal came also in the first half, thanks to the intense movement of Porto strikers. After Otavio’s pass, Marega entered the area and attempted a low cross. The ball deflected in Ruben Dias and tricked the goalkeeper Oyisseas. Own goal from Benfica’s defender.

Benfica returned to the second half without subs, but with some tactical changes, and it worked. Ruben Dias crossed, Rafa Silva controlled the ball and passed to Carlos Vinicius. The Brazilian controlled quickly and sent a strong left-footed shot past the goalkeeper and into the net.

Benfica even continued the good attacks but wasn’t able to find the draw.

With the victory, Porto reaches 50 points and is now just 4 points away from Benfica who possess the top on the table. Both teams come back to the pitch in the middle of the week, for the second leg of the semifinals of Portugal’s Cup. The Dragons will welcome Academico de Viseu on Wednesday, while the Reds will face Famalicao, away.