The stage is set for a colossal clash in the Taça de Portugal quarter-finals as FC Porto faces off against bitter rivals Benfica on January 14, 2026. This is not just another match; this is the ultimate showdown of pride, passion, and power in Portuguese football! Both teams are desperate to solidify their legacies, and with recent form throwing them into contrasting trajectories, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Predicted Lineups
Expect both teams to come out swinging in their tried-and-true formations:
- FC Porto: GK: Diogo Costa, DEF: Francisco Moura, Jakub Kiwior, Jan Bednarek, Martim Fernandes, MID: Gabri Veiga, Pablo Rosario, Victor Froholdt, FWD: Samu Aghehowa, Pepê Aquino, William Gomes.
- Benfica: GK: Anatoliy Trubin, DEF: Samuel Dahl, Nicolás Otamendi, Tomás Araújo, Amar Dedić, MID: Richard Ríos, Enzo Barrenechea, Fredrik Aursnes; FWD: Vangelis Pavlidis (the man to watch!), Franjo Ivanović.
FC Porto has been unstoppable lately. Their last five matches boast an impeccable record-five victories with dominant performances that saw them bulldoze past opponents. Notably impressive was their latest outing where they cruised to a 1-0 victory at Santa Clara while maintaining a staggering ball possession rate of 57% and dominating shots on goal. With a collective xG of over 1.1 against Santa Clara's meager 0.26-what we see is a relentless offensive machine ready to pounce!
In stark contrast stands Benfica-a team currently experiencing turbulence with two losses in their last five outings including a stunning semi-final defeat against SC Braga where they were steamrolled 3-1 just days ago. They must now face FC Porto under immense pressure after dropping points during a crucial phase of the season. The Benfica attack appears heavily reliant on star striker Vangelis Pavlidis who racked up three goals in his last league match against Estoril; however inconsistent overall form leaves questions about whether they can deliver when it matters most.
Diving deeper into statistics reveals telling patterns that could dictate the outcome of this encounter.
Key Battles
Possession & Passing Game Porto's prowess in possession management cannot be overstated-they've dominated every opponent with consistently high pass accuracy rates well over 80%, peaking at an astonishing 89% against Alverca! In contrast, Benfica's passing percentages have hovered around the mid-80s yet often lack creativity when building from the back. Against Porto's compact defensive shape and organized midfield pressing led by Gabri Veiga-Benfica may struggle to implement their game plan effectively.
Shooting Efficiency When it comes down to shooting precision and creating clear chances-the numbers tell a compelling story! FC Porto's attack has registered significantly more shots on target compared to their opponents: five shots on goal against Santa Clara versus none for them clearly illustrates Porto's threat level right now! Meanwhile, Benfica's recent encounters show a mere two shots on target in their embarrassing defeat against Braga-an alarming statistic for any team hoping to score!
Defensive Solidity vs Tactical Weaknesses Historically speaking about head-to-head encounters reveals one stark truth: when FC Porto locks horns with Benfica-it usually results in tactical wars marked by fierce intensity and determination! And here's what gives them an edge: FC Porto's defense is steely-while they allow scant opportunities (recently conceding only once against Famalicao), Benfica's backline struggles appear vulnerable against such pacey attackers like Pepê Aquino and Samu Aghehowa!
Looking specifically at individual performances:
- For Porto: Samu Aghehowa has emerged as their standout player netting six goals across all competitions-including crucial strikes during this cup run. His ability to strike decisively is invaluable as he leads from the front!
- On the flip side for Benfica: Vangelis Pavlidis stands out scoring consistently while maintaining commendable ratings throughout fixtures despite surrounding chaos. Can he break through the resolute defenses?
Hot Take Prediction
With recent performance data stacked heavily in favor of FC Porto, it's hard not to see them as favorites heading into this epic showdown. They've mastered offensive efficiency while exhibiting profound solidity at the back-a combination that promises lethal consequences for an already-reeling Benfica side grappling with pressure.
Mark my words: expect FC Porto to ride this wave of momentum straight into semi-finals glory-with perhaps a decisive scoreline echoing through Estádio do Dragão as they emerge victorious by at least two goals! It's time for historical rivalries to come alive again and there's no better moment than now!
Buckle up football fans; January 14 will undoubtedly etch itself into memory-a classic duel promising thrills aplenty!