O CLASSICO: Benfica vs Porto

O Classico („The Classic“) is the name for football matches between Benfica and Porto. They are part of big three clubs from Portugal. 3rd one is Sporting. Benfica and Porto are much more successful clubs then Sporting. They both comes from Lisbon and Porto, two larges cities in Portugal.

The first match between them was played in 1912. It was and exhibition game and Benfica won it 8-2. Eight years later came first win for Porto in „O Classico“. First league match came in 1934/35 season and Porto won it 2-1. Second match of that season went on Benfica side with 3-0 win.

In 60s Benfica dominated in Portugal but also in European football wining 7 league titles and two European Cup titles (CL). With Eusebio as their leader.

Early 70s also were Benfica years while Porto had to wait for their title till 1977/78 (after 19 years).

1990s were Porto years. They won 7 titles in those years. 5 of them where consecutive which is a record in Portugal. 

  

Counting to this date (1 April) Benfica won 35 league titles while Porto 27.  Porto is much successful in European football. As I already said Benfica won 2 Euroepan cup titles in early 60s. Porto also have been two times champion of Europe but also won two UEFA Cup/European League, UEFA Cup and Intercontinental cup.

If we count all trophies there is no much differences between them (78 vs 74 on Benfica side). Porto have won more matches then Benfica (91 vs 86).

Nene played most „O Classico“ matches (30) while Jose Aguas scored most goals (17).

During history there have been more then 30 players who played for both clubs. About 10 coaches managed bot clubs. Most of them famous are: Bela Guttmann, Tomislav Ivić, Jose Mourinho, Fernando Santos... 

Managers: 

Players:

Artur Jorge was player in both but also managed both of them