Ten-man Porto stun Benfica to clinch domestic double
Democratic Republic of Congo international Chancel Mbemba scored twice as FC Porto defeated old rivals Benfica 2-1 on Saturday to win the Portuguese Cup for the 17th time. Mbemba, a 25-year-old defender, scored both his goals in the second half of the final played behind closed doors in Coimbra.
- Sports
- Reuters
- Published Date: 11:42 | 02 August 2020
- Modified Date: 11:42 | 02 August 2020
Portuguese champions Porto completed the domestic double in style on Saturday as a pair of second-half headers by defender Chancel Mbemba gave them a 2-1 win over Benfica in the Cup final despite having a man sent off.
Porto forward Luis Diaz was given his marching orders by referee Artur Soares Dias for his second bookable offence shortly before halftime, and five minutes later his manager Sergio Conceincao was also sent off.
But former Newcastle United centre back Mbemba fired Porto ahead in the 47th minute with a looping header over two defenders after Benfica goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos misjudged a free kick from the left by Alex Telles.
Benfica were again undone from a set piece in the 58th minute, as Otavio floated in a free kick and Mbemba powered it past Vlachodimos from eight metres after beating the offside trap.
Carlos Vinicius set up a tense finish when he converted an 84th-minute penalty for Benfica after Porto substitute Diogo Leite fouled Rafa Silva.
Benfica threw men forward in the closing stages and missed their best chance for an equaliser in stoppage time when Jota hit the post with a fine volley from the edge of the penalty area.
Porto, who overhauled Benfica in the home straight of their two-team league title race, defended desperately in the last few minutes but held on to put the icing on the cake of a memorable season.