FC Porto and Sporting CP struggled to overcome their respective fourth-round visitors Placard, Oliveirense and HC Braga, losing 5-4 and 5-1 respectively.
The national champion signed a quick comeback for the fans present at the Dragão Arena, with four goals in nine minutes and a hat-trick by Carlo di Benedetto, who set the score with seven seconds left (44, 48 and 50 m).
Despite winning the match between title contenders via Telmo Pinto (16m), Porto could not avoid an immediate response from Oliveirense Thomas Pereira (16m and 40m) and Lucas Martínez (17m), who scored twice in the second part. . The Argentine striker’s second goal, converted from a direct free kick (36m), resulted in a blue card for Roque Pujadas, who was actively opposed by FC Porto, but criticism of the refereeing by Ruy Torres and Fernando Vasconcelos spread to Oliveirense.
Gonçalo Alves’ penalty goal (41m) was the game’s turning point as Porto gained momentum.
At the same time, in Pavilhão João Rocha, Sporting could not finish due to the organization of the defense of HC Braga and the play of goalkeeper Nelson Filipe. In addition, Pedro Mendez took advantage of not scoring a goal to give Minho the lead (34m).
The equalizing goal belonged to João Almeida, whose move to Sporting caused controversy with HC Braga he represented, followed by Gonzalo Romero (44m), Ferran Font (45m and 50m) and João Souto (49m).
