Benfica and FC Porto are the first semi-finalists of the UEFA Champions League in roller hockey after defeating, respectively, Spanish sides Reus (4-3 on penalties) and Liceo (6-2), in the Final Eight held in Coimbra.
Benfica entered the match against Reus with high intensity, aiming to settle the tie early, and took the lead after five minutes through Zé Miranda, who finished with a powerful strike inside the area.
However, the early advantage did not lead to control of the game. The Spanish side showed resilience and defensive organisation, even surviving two minutes down to four players after Carles Casas saw a blue card for a stick to the face of Gonçalo Pinto (initially shown as a red card but downgraded after VAR review).
The match remained balanced, with Benfica unable to extend their lead and Reus growing in confidence. The equaliser came through Martí Casas from a direct free hit after Benfica’s 10th team foul (17’). Benfica responded quickly through Gonçalo Pinto (18’), but Marc Julià restored parity almost immediately (19’). Before full time, Pau Bargalló missed a direct free hit for Reus, but the score stayed level.
Extra time produced few clear chances, with Zé Miranda missing a key direct free hit for Benfica. The tie was ultimately decided by penalties, where Viti and João Rodrigues scored for Benfica, securing qualification.
FC Porto, meanwhile, produced a dominant second-half display to defeat Liceo 6-2. After falling behind through a fine solo effort by Nuno Paiva (21’), the Portuguese side reacted quickly with Carlo di Benedetto’s equaliser (24’), following a fast counterattack led by Gonçalo Alves.
After the break, Porto took full control, with Di Benedetto scoring again early in the second half. Rafa added the third shortly after, followed by goals from Ezequiel Mena (twice) and another from Rafa, sealing a convincing victory and progression to the semi-finals.
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