FC Porto eliminated from the Portuguese Cup
FC Porto hadn't suffered three consecutive defeats and an elimination from the Portuguese Cup after 19 qualifying rounds since 2008.
What?
In a dramatic upset last Sunday, Moreirense FC eliminated FC Porto from the Taça de Portugal, claiming a 2-1 victory and ending the reigning champions' hopes for a fourth consecutive title.
This marked Porto's first elimination in 19 cup ties and capped off a rare streak of three consecutive defeats for the club, a phenomenon last seen in 2008.
The story of the match
The game began promisingly for Porto as Pepê opened the scoring in the 31st minute, converting João Mário's precise cross to give his side a 1-0 lead. However, Moreirense quickly struck back. Just 10 minutes later, LuÃs Asué headed in a cross from Frimpong, leveling the match before halftime.
The second half saw Porto struggle to find offensive solutions against a disciplined Moreirense side.
Despite controlling possession, Porto's attack lacked creativity, and Moreirense capitalized on their defensive resilience.
The turning point came in the 75th minute when Francisco Moura was penalized for a handball in the Porto area. Alanzinho stepped up to convert the penalty, sealing Moreirense's victory with a strike that clipped the post before finding the net.
Porto’s Troubles Mount
For Porto, this defeat compounds an already troubling period.
Coming off losses to Lazio in the Europa League (2-1) and Benfica in the league (4-1), the team now faces growing criticism.
Interim manager VÃtor Bruno has been under pressure, and questions about the squad’s depth and performance continue to mount.
The defeat is also historically significant, as it marks the first time since 2008 that Porto has suffered three consecutive losses across all competitions.
Moreirense’s Triumph
Moreirense, currently eighth in the Primeira Liga, showcased their strong form at home, where they remain unbeaten this season. This victory avenged their loss to Porto in the Taça da Liga earlier this year and propelled them to the competition's round of 16, where they will face Gil Vicente in Barcelos.
César Peixoto's side executed a cohesive defensive strategy, effectively stifling Porto's attack while creating chances through counter-attacks. The win reflects Moreirense's steady improvement this season and cements their reputation as formidable opponents, particularly on home turf.