In a dramatic showdown that captivated roller hockey fans worldwide, FC Porto secured a resounding 6-2 victory over FC Barcelona in the fourth round of the Champions League group stage. The electrifying match, held at the Arena Dragão, propelled FC Porto into contention for the next stage of the competition.
The intense rivalry between these two European powerhouses ignited early. Hélder Nunes opened the scoring for Porto, setting the tone for a high-octane first half. Gonçalo Alves quickly added another goal, extending Porto’s lead to 2-0. While Porto’s captain had a penalty shot hit the post, former FC Porto player Xavi Barroso answered for Barcelona, narrowing the gap to 2-1 before halftime.
The second half witnessed a complete shift in momentum. FC Porto dominated, with Carlo Di Benedetto scoring to make it 3-1. Gonçalo Alves added his second goal, pushing the lead to 4-1. Despite a determined effort by Barroso, who scored two goals for Barcelona, Ezequiel Mena and Hélder Nunes sealed the victory for Porto with late goals, resulting in a final score of 6-2.
This extraordinary win catapulted FC Porto from fifth to fourth place in group A,tying them with the third-place team. Óquei de Barcelos currently holds second place with eight points, while FC Barcelona, a record-holding 22-time champion, sits in fifth place with four points.Saint-Omer trails behind with zero points.
The top four teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals. FC Porto’s next match is scheduled for Thursday,December 19th,at 8:30 PM at the Dragão Arena against Sanjoanense in the National Championship.
Game Details
FC Porto 6-2 Barcelona
Champions League, Group A, 4th round, December 13, 2024, dragão Arena
Referees: Franco Ferrari and Massimiliano Carmazzi (Italy)
FC Porto Lineup: Xavier Malián (GK), Edu Lamas, Hélder Nunes, Rafa, and Carlo Di Benedetto. Substitutes: Leonardo Pais (GK), Tomás Santos, Telmo Pinto, Ezequiel Mena, and Gonçalo Alves (Captain). Coach: Ricardo Ares.
FC Barcelona Lineup: Sergi Fernández (GK) (Captain),Ignacio Alabart,Sergi Llorca,Marc Grau,and Ferran Font. Substitutes: Carles Grau (GK), Xavi Barroso, sergi Aragonés, Eloi Cervera, and Pablo Álvarez. Coach: David Cáceres.
halftime Score: 2-1
Goals: Hélder Nunes (9m and 49m), Gonçalo Alves (22m and 37m), Xavi Barroso (25m and 48m), Carlo di Benedetto (34m), Ezequiel Mena (49m)
FC Porto Stuns FC Barcelona in Champions League Thriller
FC Porto’s resounding 6-2 victory over FC Barcelona shakes up the Champions League table adn reignites the Portuguese squad’s hopes for a quarterfinal berth.
This week, Portugal’s FC Porto delivered a stunning upset, defeating Spanish giants FC Barcelona 6-2 in a gripping Champions League clash. The high-scoring encounter sent shockwaves through the tournament, propelling Porto into contention for one of the coveted quarterfinal spots.
senior Editor Peter Thompson of world-today-news.com spoke with renowned roller hockey analyst, Miguel Oliveira, about the implications of this monumental match.
Peter Thompson: Miguel,that was an absolutely thrilling game! What was your initial reaction when the final whistle blew?
Miguel Oliveira: Peter,it was a performance few saw coming. Porto played with a fire in their belly, their attack was relentless, and their defense, frankly, caught Barcelona off guard. This was a statement win, a true presentation of Porto’s abilities.
Peter Thompson: FC Porto’s Gonçalo Alves was on fire, scoring two goals. How crucial was his performance too Porto’s victory?
Miguel Oliveira: Absolutely vital. Alves’ speed and precision created havoc for Barcelona’s defense. Not only did he score twice, but he also set up several key scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Peter Thompson: Barcelona,historically a dominant force in this competition,seemed to struggle defensively. What do you think went wrong for them?
Miguel Oliveira: Barcelona lacked their usual composure and discipline.Porto pressed them high up the court, disrupting their build-up play. They also failed to contain Porto’s creative midfield, leaving their defense exposed.
Peter Thompson: With this win, Porto leaps up the Group A table. Where do you see them finishing, and what are their chances of advancing?
Miguel Oliveira: This win significantly boosts Porto’s chances of qualification. They now sit in the crucial fourth spot, level on points with the third-place team, and only one point behind powerhouse Oiquei de Barcelos. If they maintain this level of performance, they are undoubtedly a strong contender for a quarterfinals berth.
Peter Thompson: planned for December 19th, what will be the key factors for Porto in their upcoming match against Sanjoanense?
Miguel Oliveira: Consistency is crucial for Porto. They need to build upon this momentum, demonstrating the same attacking flair and defensive solidity.Sanjoanense, while a tough opponent, may not pose the same threats as Barcelona. Porto should be confident they can secure another crucial victory.
Peter thompson: Well,Miguel,thank you for your incredible insights. it looks like the Champions League Group Stage is heating up. We’ll be watching with great anticipation to see what unfolds for FC Porto!
