It was not easy for Benfica to beat Porto in the two league matches in the same season. In nearly 90 years of tournaments, it has only happened nine times and only two in the last 46 years. Roger Schmidt could repeat that feat on Friday, as he beat Dragao 1-0. If the Reds beat the Blues and the Whites, then in the next round they will repeat the only achievements of this century: 2005/06 and 2018/19.
However, as in 1969/1970 (Otto Gloria and José Augusto) and in 2018/2019 (Rui Vitória and Bruno Lage) Benfica won both matches, but with a change of coaches between them, Schmidt could become, if he wins Sergio Conceicao, the seventh of Benfica coach To win away from home and at home against FC Porto in the same season. So far only Janus Perry, Lebo Herzka, Ted Smith, Jimmy Hagan, John Mortimore and Ronald Koeman.
Porto for its part, although it will not be able to achieve it in 2022/2023, has already won away from home against Benfica 11 times and no less than twice by Sergio Conceicao (2019/2020 and 2021/2022). The rest were Mihaly Cesca, Anton Vogel/Gensi Desio, Dorival Eusterich, Artur George, Antonio Oliveira, Jose Mourinho, Jesualdo Ferreira, Andre Villas-Boas and Julen Lopetegui/José Peseiro.
It should also be noted that in the last 12 league classics at the Estádio da Luz, Benfica have only won twice: 2-0 in 2013/2014 (Jorge Jesus / Paulo Fonseca) and in 2018/19 (Ruy Vitória / Sergio Conceicao).
Melody Gross is a contributor at Brytfmonline.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is committed to delivering clear, accurate, and reader-focused reporting that helps audiences stay informed about current events and important developments. With a focus on useful information and balanced storytelling, Melody aims to present timely stories and relevant insights in a way that is accessible, engaging, and easy to understand.