Analysis The numbers behind the result
Porto overcome numerical disadvantage with clinical finishing
Porto’s 3-1 victory was deserved, driven by superior shot efficiency despite Benfica’s 55% possession advantage. The home side generated 20 total shots (12 inside the box) to Benfica’s 12, with Porto’s 7 on target proving decisive. Benfica’s red card to Clément Lenglet in the 35th minute shifted the balance, but Porto had already taken the lead through Gabri Veiga’s 31st-minute strike, assisted by Eduardo Gabriel Aquino Cossa. Despite Benfica equalising through Alexander Bah’s 51st-minute goal, Porto’s second-half goals from Victor Froholdt (54’) and Hwang In-Beom (60’) sealed the win.
Benfica struggled to capitalise on their possession, managing only 3 shots on target despite their numerical disadvantage. Porto’s clinical finishing, converting 3 of their 7 on-target attempts, contrasted sharply with Benfica’s 1 goal from 3 on target. The home side’s ability to exploit space after Lenglet’s dismissal was pivotal, with André Silva providing two assists in the second half. Benfica’s discipline also faltered, with a red card and three yellow cards hampering their momentum.
The key stat explaining the outcome is Porto’s shot efficiency: they scored 3 goals from an xG of 2.3, while Benfica’s 1 goal came from an xG of 0.9. Despite having fewer passes (343 vs 425) and less possession, Porto’s ability to create and convert high-quality chances proved decisive.