Benfica vs Porto: 6 Classic Clashes Between Portugal's Powerhouse Rivals

There really have been some classic contests competed between this pair of formidable rivals. More often than not, a win for either side will go some way in swinging the Primeira Liga title race in their favour. Or, it would determine a potential domestic cup success. Stakes are always high when O Clássico rolls around.

Whatever the scenario, whichever the year, you can bet O Clássico is fiercely contested. Truth be told, Porto have edged it in recent times. They do come out on top head-to-head. But each fixture provides Benfica the opportunity to claw their way back to their former perch - unrivalled at the pinnacle of Portuguese football.

Given it tends to end up Porto vs. Benfica for the title, these annual fixtures normally go some way to dictate the league standings come the end of the season. But a victory for either side provides them with the holy grail they seek - undisputed superiority as Portugal's number one football club.

Benfica 2-3 Porto (2012)

Might as well start as we mean to go on - with a cracker. Cast your eyes back to the 2011/12 Primeira Liga campaign, and that's what you get. Porto ran out eventual winners, courtesy of a late Maicon strike, but it was anyone's game throughout.

Hulk opened the scoring within the opening ten minutes before Oscar Cardozo found the back of the Porto net either side of half-time. Then James Rodríguez levelled the scoring before Benfica's Emerson saw red, and Maicon ensured Porto secured a dramatic three points.

And breathe.

Porto 3-2 Benfica (2020)

This may be a match from just a couple of months ago, but with five goals in the opening 50 minutes, you can't help but admire this particular goal fest. Also, it's worth stating - these two just love to play out high scoring thrillers.

Anyway, back to this season. Porto took the lead, Benfica equalised. By the time the half time whistle sounded, As Águias found themselves 3-1 down. Were they down and out? Not quite. Five minutes after the restart, Benfica had made it 3-2, but ultimately were unable to claw themselves back to level pegging.

How significant was this particular three points for Porto? Well, after 24 fixtures played, they are a single point above their arch-rivals, and it's incredibly tight. Both Porto and Benfica have won 19 games apiece, but the latter have lost a game more. Perhaps the outcome of O Clássico will yet again determine the final league standings.

Benfica 2-1 Porto (2004)

It's perhaps slightly harsh that this fixture is the only one selected in which Benfica have come out on top. Nevertheless, the 2004 Taça de Portugal Final was Benfica's moment to cherish.

It was 1-1 after 90 minutes, and in extra time, Portuguese winger Simão struck the winner for Benfica. And, the permutations of such a victory extended beyond the significance of the cup final.

Not only did this deny Porto winning yet another treble-winning campaign after their Champions League, and Primeira Liga successes, but it also meant Benfica ended the campaign with a welcome piece of silverware.

Porto 5-0 Benfica (2010)

One for the Portistas to enjoy, and the Benfiquistas to forget. For some context, the previous campaign had seen Benfica beat Porto 3-0 in the Taça da Liga final. This was their fourth consecutive league cup win, and meant their rivals had still yet to achieve league cup glory.

It appears this defeat stung, and Porto were out to gain their revenge. That they did - Porto's 5-0 home win over Benfica in the 2010/11 season was their greatest ever home win over their rivals. It was perhaps a sign of the success to come - Porto completed the treble that season, adding the Taça de Portugal, and the Europa League to their league title.

To be fair, As Dragões had quite a decent side at the time. Radamel Falcao was strutting his stuff up top, and bagged a brace. Hulk was also at the top of his game, and he helped himself to two goals too. Portuguese winger Varela also managed to get on the scoresheet, and Benfica were left contemplating the brutal reality of their inferiority.

Porto 3-2 Benfica (2006)

Yes, this is the third 3-2 result we've taken a look at. And yes, Porto have ended up on the winning side on all three occasions. Poor Benfica, honestly.

Anyway, if you fancy a high scoring contest with late drama, this particular matchup provided it all. Lisandro López opened the scoring, and Ricardo Quaresma put Porto 2-0 up after 20 minutes. Could Benfica find a way back into the game?

Yep, they could indeed. They had levelled it up with eight minutes of normal time remaining, and looked on course to salvage an impressive point. Until Porto managed to strike late on in added time to seal a 3-2 victory. Dramatic? Yep, that's just how it goes when these two meet.

Porto 2-1 Benfica (2013)

Perhaps the greatest Clássico of all time. The two titans of Portuguese football were pitted against each other in the penultimate match of the 2012/13 Primeira Liga campaign. A win for either side would all but confirm a title victory.

Both Benfica and Porto had managed to go the entire season unbeaten. It was anyone's game, and anyone's title, even if it was more Benfica's to lose as they boasted a superior goal difference. Benfica took the lead in the 18th minute, before Porto levelled it up seven minutes later. It remained 1-1...until the 90th minute.

Enter Brazilian winger Kelvin, who struck at the death to break Benfica hearts and seal a 2-1 Porto victory. It was then clear for all to see that this would be Porto's year. Benfica's manager, Jorge Jesus, dropped to his knees in utter devastation. They had been beaten, and that was that. A classic title-decider had ended in Porto's favour.