The highly anticipated O Clássico clash between FC Porto and Benfica takes place on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, at Estádio do Dragão in Porto, with kickoff at 20:45 GMT+0. This quarter-final tie in the Taça de Portugal promises intensity, as both giants seek a path to silverware after mixed domestic campaigns. No referee has been confirmed yet for the match, but the venue’s capacity of 50,033 will add to the electric atmosphere typical of these encounters.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
This fixture carries huge weight in Portuguese football, with both sides desperate to progress in the cup. FC Porto vs Benfica prediction today focuses on current momentum, defensive vulnerabilities, and attacking threats that could decide the outcome. Recent results for each team reveal contrasting trajectories, while their head-to-head battles often deliver goals and drama. Bettors should weigh home advantage at the Dragão against Benfica’s resilience in big games. Key patterns in scoring and concessions will shape the most reliable angles here.
FC Porto Results
FC Porto head into this cup tie riding strong domestic form under Francesco Farioli, sitting atop the Liga Portugal table with consistent wins. Their attacking output has been impressive lately, backed by solid home performances. Discipline and structure have been evident in recent outings.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 04.01.26 | Liga Portugal | Santa Clara vs FC Porto | 0:1 | W |
| 29.12.25 | Liga Portugal | FC Porto vs AVS | 2:0 | W |
| 22.12.25 | Liga Portugal | Alverca vs FC Porto | 0:3 | W |
| 18.12.25 | Taça de Portugal | FC Porto vs Famalicao | 4:1 | W |
| 15.12.25 | Liga Portugal | FC Porto vs Estrela Amadora | 3:1 | W |
Porto have claimed five straight victories across competitions, scoring freely while keeping things tight at the back. This run includes convincing away wins and dominant home displays. Their only recent stumble came earlier in the League Cup, but cup focus appears sharp now. Momentum builds confidence for the Dragons ahead of this classic rivalry.
Benfica Results
Benfica arrive under pressure after a disappointing League Cup exit, with José Mourinho voicing frustration over recent showings. Inconsistencies against top sides persist despite flashes of quality. Their remaining hope for a trophy rests heavily on this cup run.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 07.01.26 | Taça da Liga | Benfica vs Braga | 1:3 | L |
| 03.01.26 | Liga Portugal | Benfica vs Estoril | 3:1 | W |
| 28.12.25 | Liga Portugal | Braga vs Benfica | 2:2 | D |
| 22.12.25 | Liga Portugal | Benfica vs Famalicao | 1:0 | W |
| 17.12.25 | Taça de Portugal | Farense vs Benfica | 0:2 | W |
Benfica show mixed results, with a heavy defeat to Braga exposing defensive lapses and poor reaction. Wins against weaker opponents provide some relief, yet draws and losses against stronger teams highlight struggles. Mourinho’s demands for better communication remain unmet in key moments.
FC Porto vs Benfica Head-to-Head
These rivals have produced competitive, often high-scoring affairs in recent seasons. Benfica edged some encounters, but Porto’s home record adds intrigue. Patterns suggest goals are likely when stakes rise in cup ties.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 05.10.25 | Liga Portugal | FC Porto vs Benfica | 0:0 |
| 06.04.25 | Liga Portugal | FC Porto vs Benfica | 1:4 |
| 10.11.24 | Liga Portugal | Benfica vs FC Porto | 4:1 |
| 03.03.24 | Liga Portugal | FC Porto vs Benfica | 5:0 |
| 29.09.23 | Liga Portugal | Benfica vs FC Porto | 1:0 |
Benfica won two of the last three, with one draw, showing recent edge in league meetings. High-scoring games alternate with tighter contests. Porto’s dominant 5:0 home win stands out, yet current form tilts the balance slightly.
Predicted Starting Lineups
These are the forecasted starting lineups for FC Porto vs Benfica in the Taça de Portugal quarter-final, based on recent team selections, tactical preferences, and available personnel. Formations reflect the most likely setups: Porto in a 4-3-3 shape emphasizing width and midfield control, Benfica in a 4-2-3-1 prioritizing defensive solidity and forward creativity. Actual lineups will be confirmed closer to kickoff.
FC Porto Predicted Starting Lineups
Costa (GK), Fernandes (DF), Kiwior (DF), Bednarek (DF), Moura (DF), Froholdt (MF), Veiga (MF), Rosario (MF), Pepê (FW), Samu (FW), Gomes (FW)

Benfica Predicted Starting Lineups
Trubin (GK), Dedić (DF), Araújo (DF), Otamendi (DF), Dahl (DF), Manu (MF), Ríos (MF), Barreiro (MF), Sudakov (MF), Aursnes (MF), Pavlidis (FW)

Injured and Questionable Players
Several key players remain sidelined or doubtful for this high-stakes cup tie due to injuries and other absences, potentially influencing tactical choices and depth. Below is a summary of notable unavailable or questionable individuals from both squads.
| Team | Player | Injury/Status |
| FC Porto | de Jong L. | Knee Injury |
| FC Porto | Perez N. | Achilles Tendon Injury |
| FC Porto | Perez T. | Achilles Tendon Injury |
| FC Porto | Franco A. | Knee Injury |
| Benfica | Bah A. | Knee Injury |
| Benfica | Bruma | Achilles Tendon Injury |
| Benfica | Lukebakio D. | Broken Ankle |
| Benfica | Araujo H. | Muscle Injury |
| Benfica | Soares S. | Injury |
Key Match Factors to Watch
Porto boast a seven-game winning streak with strong goal output.
- Benfica seek redemption after a poor cup showing;
- Porto miss key players Pablo Rosario (suspension), Nehuén Pérez (injury), Luuk de Jong (injury), Andre Franco (injury), Tomas Perez (injury);
- Benfica face absences including Alexander Bah (injury), Bruma (injury), Dodi Lukébakio (injury), Henrique Araujo (injury), Samuel Soares (injury);
- home advantage at Estádio do Dragão remains significant for Porto;
- Benfica’s scoring consistency in recent games persists despite setbacks;
- Mourinho’s criticism of communication could impact morale; set-piece efficiency often decides tight classics;
- motivation peaks in cup quarter-finals for both; no major scandals reported, focus stays on pitch battles.
Free Tips on FC Porto vs Benfica
This section delivers practical, match-specific free betting tips drawn directly from the teams’ recent statistics, head-to-head patterns, and current dynamics in the Taça de Portugal quarter-final. These pointers highlight angles that sharp observers often use to spot value without relying on hype. Focus remains on data-driven observations relevant to this O Clássico at Estádio do Dragão.
- Porto’s seven-match winning run across all competitions shows clear confidence and attacking fluency, especially at home where they score in nearly every game this season;
- Benfica have found the net in twelve straight matches, including against stronger opponents, which points to their consistent threat even in tough away fixtures;
- Three of the last four head-to-head clashes produced three or more goals, with both sides scoring in half of those encounters, suggesting an open, productive classic is probable;
- Porto’s home record in recent big games remains strong, while Benfica struggle more when facing top sides on the road, creating a noticeable venue-based edge;
- Recent schedule congestion affects both teams, but Porto appear fresher and more structured in their last five outings compared to Benfica’s mixed results and defensive lapses.
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FC Porto vs Benfica Match Prediction 2026
Porto hold the edge thanks to superior current form, a flawless recent run, and home strength at the Dragão. Benfica show scoring ability but defensive frailties and recent heavy losses expose vulnerabilities against motivated sides. Porto’s consistency in creating and converting chances outweighs Benfica’s inconsistencies under pressure. FC Porto vs Benfica odds reflect Porto’s favoritism, yet the rivalry’s unpredictability adds value to goals on both sides. Expect Porto to control midfield and exploit transitions, leading to a narrow but deserved victory with both teams finding the net in an open contest.
Our Prediction: FC Porto 2-1 Benfica
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | FC Porto Win | 2.18 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.95 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 | 2.28 |
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