There were no surprises in the Portuguese Cup 4th-round matches played on Friday and Saturday as the favourites avoided upsets to progress to the last 16.
On Friday night Benfica beat Lisbon minnows Atlético CP in a historical fixture that has not been played for years given the fall of the club from the Alcântara neighbourhood of the Portuguese capital. Currently in third tier of the Portuguese pyramid, Atlético began impressively in a match played at the Restelo (Belenenses’ ground), creating the better chances in a goalless first half.
José Mourinho did not like what he saw and made four substitutions at the break. Benfica improved significantly and ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Richard Ríos and Vangelis Pavlidis.
Sporting coach Rui Borges rang the changes as the holders welcomed 4th-tier Marinhense to the Alvalade, but it was first-team stalwart Francisco Trincão who set the Lions on their way to a comfortable victory with two first-half goals. Striker Luis Suárez added his name to the scoresheet late on for a 3-0 victory.
Porto also had a home clash against 4th-tier opposition in the shape of Sintrense, and won by the same scoreline. Borja Sainz and Deniz Gül put the Dragons in control, but the moment of the night came in the 80th minute when Rodrigo Mora curled a stupendous 20-yard effort into the top corner with his weaker left foot.
Mora has struggled for minutes under Francesco Farioli, but the goal was a reminder of his undoubted talent and a throwback to his form last season when he scored a series of worldies to announce his arrival as one of Portugal’s most exciting emerging talents.
In arguably the tie of the round, FC Famalicão travelled south to Estoril and ran out 2-1 winners. An early strike by Tom van de Looi and a second goal from Pedro Bondo proved decisive for Fama. Alejandro Marqués scored late on to give Estoril hope but it proved only a consolation goal.
The only other all top-flight tie in this round will be played this evening, 23 November, with Braga hosting Nacional da Madeira.
The draw for the round of sixteen will take place on Tuesday 25 November.
