Porto edged out Lisboa e Benfica 93-86 in a thrilling Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol Clássico on October 11, 2026. In a game that lived up to its billing, Porto used a late fourth-quarter surge to secure a hard-fought victory over their arch-rivals.

Match Overview

The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to build a significant lead. Porto held a slim 47-42 advantage at the break, thanks to some timely three-point shooting. Benfica responded in the third quarter, briefly taking the lead, but Porto regained control in the final period. A 10-2 run in the closing minutes sealed the win for the hosts.

• First Quarter: Porto 24, Benfica 22
• Second Quarter: Porto 23, Benfica 20
• Third Quarter: Porto 21, Benfica 24
• Fourth Quarter: Porto 25, Benfica 20
• Final: Porto 93, Benfica 86

Key Moments

With 4:30 remaining and the score tied at 80, Porto's Rui Mendes hit a step-back three to spark a decisive 10-2 run. Benfica had chances to respond, but two costly turnovers and a missed open layup allowed Porto to pull away. A dunk by Diogo Ferreira with 1:10 left pushed the lead to 90-82 and effectively sealed the game.

Standout Performers

Rui Mendes led Porto with 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, earning player of the match honors. Diogo Ferreira added 19 points and 10 rebounds, while André Costa chipped in 15 points. For Benfica, Pedro Costa was outstanding with 28 points, including six three-pointers, but he didn't get enough help. André Gomes scored 16 points, but the rest of the team struggled offensively.

Tactical Story

Porto's defense clamped down in the fourth quarter, holding Benfica to just 20 points and forcing five turnovers in the final seven minutes. They switched to a smaller lineup that allowed them to switch everything on screens, disrupting Benfica's pick-and-roll game. Offensively, Porto attacked the rim relentlessly, drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line 28 times (making 22). Benfica, on the other hand, settled for too many contested jump shots and shot only 40% from the field.

Season Impact

This victory is a major boost for Porto in the Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol standings, as they move ahead of Benfica in the race for a top seed. It also gives them the head-to-head advantage in the season series. For Benfica, the loss stings but they remain among the league's elite. The two teams are expected to contend for the title, and this game provided a tantalizing preview of what could be a playoff showdown.

In a rivalry game, execution down the stretch is everything. Porto delivered when it mattered most, and the 93-86 win will be celebrated by their fans for weeks to come.