The Cup final opposed FC Porto to Benfica, a grand clash between strong rivals. FC Porto had the best team at the moment, but Benfica not only had plenty of experience, but had deeper squad and foxy coach, who knew how to extract single victory. Perhaps this advantage decided the final – Benfica had enough strength to win a single game and they did it, 3-1.
Surely a disappointment – no double – but also a good learning experience for up and coming team, making it only stronger in the long term. The future belonged to FC Porto, there was still a little bit missing.
The old rule of thumb: clubs like Benfica are never to be dismissed even when they were relatively weak. Pride, tradition, experience, everything can be gathered for one single task, even dirty tricks, if necessary. Head-to-head Benfica was able to beat talented FC Porto and they did it. Thus, they saved the season and won one more trophy. Yet, they had to improve the squad, to rebuild it, to make it younger and up to date. Occasional success was not in the books of Benfica – they had to really catch up with FC Porto.
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