Boavista stun Benfica with late turnaround; Porto comeback win at Moreirense | OneFootball

Last season Benfica remained undefeated in the league until after Christmas, but in 2023/24 the champions were undone in their Primeira Liga opener by Boavista in an action-packed match.

Two late goals saw the axedrezados turn a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 victory in a game that lasted a total of 117 minutes and where both sides ended with 10 men on the pitch.

Porto also produced a comeback, coming from a goal down to beat newly-promoted Moreirense 2-1 away from home.

Boavista 3-2 Benfica

Petit’s men made their intentions clear from the outset, three yellow cards in the opening 14 minutes indicative of their aggressive approach to combating the title favourites.

However, Boavista had trouble containing Rafa Silva all night, the speedy forward racing clear of the home team’s high defensive line to set up Ángel Di María for the opening goal midway through the first half.

Benfica were dealt a double blow early in the second half as Petar Musa was shown a straight red card for an overly zealous tackle on Abascal, bringing an early conclusion to his return to his former club. Boavista immediately equalised through Róbert Bozeník, the Slovakian striker gobbling up a chance at the second post.

Although a man down, Benfica continued to push forward, with the electric Rafa hitting the bar in the 70th minute. Five minutes later and Rafa found the net, heading in from close range after efforts on goal by Orkan Kökcü and João Neves had been repelled by Boavista goalkeeper João Gonçalves.

Boavista poured forward in search of an equaliser and were given the perfect opportunity in the 90th minute after António Silva brought down De Santis for a clear penalty. Bruno Lourenço made no mistake from the spot. 2-2 with the game going into stoppage time.

Benfica were unlucky not to retake the lead as David Neres’ crashed a superb volley against the bar.

Boavista’s Bruno Lourenço was then sent off for a dangerous tackle on Florentino Luís, but in their desperation to find a winner Benfica left themselves short at the back. Bozenik was given a free run at goal, the forward showing commendable composure to beat Vlachodimos and secure the three points.

Moreirense 1-2 FC Porto

After indifferent pre-season results and defeat in Super Cup against Benfica, Porto were seeking to get their Primeira Liga season off to a positive start in Moreira de Cónegos.

But Moreirense matched the uninspired Dragons in the first forty-five minutes and took the lead early in the second half through Godfried Frimpong.

Porto, without coach Sérgio Conceição in the dugout or captain Pepe on the pitch, both suspended after red cards in the Super Cup, reacted well to the setback.

Two quickfire goals by Toni Martínez and Wendell put the visitors into the lead, which they held onto comfortably even after a late red card to goalscorer Wendell.

by Tom Kundert