Porto win Cup & show Benfica they are ready for title fight

Benfica and FC Porto opened the Portuguese League with a Super Cup showdown between last seasons league Champions and Taca de Portugal winners.

Starting Lineups:

Benfica: Roberto, Ruben Amorim, Luisao, David Luiz, Fabio Coentrao, Carlos Martins, Airton, Pablo Aimar, Cesar Pexioto, Oscar Cardozo, Javier Saviola

FC Porto: Helton, Rolando, Sapunaru, Maicon, A. Pereira, Joao Moutinho, Fernando, Belluschi, Hulk, Varela, Falcao

The first half started off well for Porto as an early corner was struck into the net by Rolando to give Porto the 1-0 lead just three minutes into the contest. Porto kept the pressure up and a couple of Hulk chances were just wide of the Benfica net. Benfica did not manage to get their first shot on net until the twenty minute mark when a Carlos Martins free kick was stopped by Helton. Porto responded to the Benfica threat with a great strike of their own as Sapunaru's cross was headed into the top corner of the net but was tipped over the bar by Benfica keeper Roberto. The rest of the first half saw both teams with chances but unable to convert with Porto once again have the better of it as a Joao Moutinho shot was stopped on the goal line by Luisao. Porto headed to the half with a 1-0 lead.

The second half saw Hulk hit the woodwork at 54th minute mark as he continued his fine form in this encounter. Then Falcao's header was sent just wide left at the 62nd mark as Porto continued to show that they want this game a bit more then Benfica. Benfica's Carlos Martins then stepped up for the defending champs and let a rocket go once again that was stopped Helton, the rebound landed at Saviola's feet but his shot was sent over the net. Porto's constant pressure was finally rewarded as Varela's cross found Falcao and he sent the ball into the top left corner of the net to give the Dragons a 2-0 lead. Saviola then went in on a partial break away but was stoned by Helton who refused to let Benfica cut the lead and this was the last big play of the game as Porto kick off the Portuguese campaign winning the Super Cup over Benfica 2-0.

The Portuguese League is set to kick off next weekend and Porto has sent Benfica a message that they are ready to fight this season.