A late goal denied FC Porto a victory over Benfica in a thrilling match that ended in a 2-2 draw on March 8, 2026. The result keeps Porto atop the Portuguese Primeira Liga table, four points ahead of Sporting CP and seven clear of Benfica.
The match saw Jan Bednarek, a key defender for Porto, forced off with a rib injury in the first half, though he was later deemed fit enough to travel for their upcoming clash with Benfica. Jakub Kiwior and Oskar Pietuszewski also featured in the starting lineup for Porto, marking the second consecutive league game the Polish trio started together.
Porto took the lead in the 10th minute thanks to a goal from Victor Froholdt, assisted by Bednarek. The defender played a brilliant ball beyond the midfield, setting up Froholdt for a chance he converted after initially hitting the post.
Oskar Pietuszewski doubled Porto’s advantage in the 40th minute with a stunning individual effort. He ran nearly the length of the field, spectacularly dribbled past Nicolás Otamendi, and fired a powerful shot past the Benfica goalkeeper. A clip of the goal quickly went viral on social media, with ELEVEN SPORTS PL calling it a “CUDOWNY PIETUSZEWSKI!”
𝐂𝐔𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐘 𝐏𝐈𝐄𝐓𝐔𝐒𝐙𝐄𝐖𝐒𝐊𝐈! 🤯🇵🇱
Wielki Oskar! Polak zatańczył w polu karnym Benfiki 💃 Otamendi położony w kapitalnym stylu.
CO. ZA. AKCJA! 🔥👏 #PortuGOL pic.twitter.com/Dqc8SgeLYl
Benfica responded after the break, with João Schjelderup finding the back of the net in the 69th minute. The equalizer came in the 89th minute through a goal from Barreiro, leveling the score.
The match was not without its drama, as Porto’s Diogo Costa sustained an injury after a collision, and both teams accumulated yellow cards throughout the contest. Late in the game, Bednarek received instructions from the coach, but Porto couldn’t hold on for the win. Benfica’s coach, Jose Mourinho, was shown a red card after Barreiro’s goal, adding to the heated atmosphere.
The draw maintains Porto’s position at the top of the Primeira Liga standings.
Benfica – FC Porto 2:2 (0:2)
Gole: Schjelderup (69′), Barreiro (89′) – Froholdt (10′), Pietuszewski (40′)
Benfica: Trubin – Dedic (83′ Bah), Araujo, Otamendi (75′ A. Silva), Dahl – Rios, Barrenechea (75′ Barreiro), Prestianni (66′ Lukebakio), Rafa Silva (65′ Ivanovic), Schjelderup – Pavlidis
FC Porto: Diogo Costa – Alberto Costa, Bednarek, Kiwior, Fernandes (58′ Moura) – Veiga (46′ Fofana), Varela, Froholdt – Pietuszewski (64′ Sainz), Pepe (46′ William Gomes), Gul (78′ Moffi)
Żółte kartki: Otamendi, Silva – Pepe, Veiga, Diogo Costa, Fernandes, Alberto Costa, William Gomes
Czerwona kartka: Otamendi (poza boiskiem), Jose Mourinho (poza boiskiem)
