Edu Castro Says FC Porto Were Efficient in Victory

FC Porto defeated Benfica 3-2 on Wednesday at the Dragão Arena in the opening round of the national roller hockey championship.

The defending champions opened their league campaign with a narrow defeat in Porto, where individual brilliance ultimately tilted the balance of a tight fixture. SL Benfica entered the match holding the majority of possession and drew first blood, but the hosts capitalised efficiently on their scoring opportunities.

Nil Roca put the visitors ahead in the 8th minute, as the defending champions made a strong start, according to match statistics published on the Official SL Benfica Website. FC Porto answered before the break when Gonçalo Alves converted a penalty following a blue card shown to Zé Miranda, leaving the score tied 1-1 at halftime.

Carlo Di Benedetto gave the hosts their first lead at 31 minutes, before Nil Roca struck again for Benfica at the 35-minute mark to level the match at 2-2. The decisive moment arrived in the 44th minute when Gonçalo Alves scored his second of the night, sealing a 3-2 victory for the home side in the opening fixture of the 2026/27 Campeonato Placard first phase.

«Entrámos muito bem, mesmos nas situações de under-play, mas mesmo assim estivemos bem em muitas fases de jogo e o FC Porto foi eficaz nas ocasiões que teve».

Edu Castro, Benfica Coach

«Não utilizo desculpas para justificar algo que não correu bem, até porque acho que fizemos muito bem e por vezes acontecem deste tipo de lances milagre. Em linhas gerais tenho de ver o que posso fazer melhor e acreditar no que fazemos».

Edu Castro, Benfica Coach

Despite dropping the first points of the season, Castro maintained that his squad remains fully focused on defending their domestic crown. The team returns to the Pavilhão Fidelidade on Saturday, November 14, 2026, to host Riba d’Ave in the second round of the championship.

Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.