Benfica defeats AD Valongo 6-1 to reach the Elite Cup semifinals
Benfica secured a 6-1 victory over AD Valongo on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Pavilhão Desportivo Municipal de Santo Tirso, advancing to the semifinals of the Elite Cup. Edu Castro’s side overcame an early deficit to dominate the fixture, with Nil Roca scoring twice alongside goals from João Rodrigues, Gonçalo Pinto, Viti, and Zé Miranda.
The win keeps the defending champions on track in the opening tournament of the 2026/27 season, which features the top eight teams from the previous championship competing in Santo Tirso. Benfica will next face the winner of the quarterfinal match between OC Barcelos and HC Braga on Saturday, October 31, at 18h00.
How Benfica Overturned Valongo’s Early Lead in Santo Tirso
AD Valongo struck first when Rui Silva opened the scoring at the 7-minute mark. Benfica struggled initially to find shooting lanes against the goal while leaving defensive gaps that Valongo failed to capitalize on through counterattacks.
Hóquei em Patins: O SL Benfica venceu a AD Valongo por 6-1, nos quartos de final da Elite Cup. Nil Roca (2), João Rodrigues, Gonçalo Pinto, Viti e Zé Miranda marcaram os golos. #HóqueiBenfica
The tactical dynamic shifted before halftime. João Rodrigues equalized for the Eagles at 19′ by redirecting a shot from Roberto Di Benedetto. Gonçalo Pinto capitalized on a rebound from Zé Miranda’s stick to put Benfica ahead at 23′, and Viti added a third goal just one minute later to establish a 3-1 halftime advantage.
Second-Half Golaso Extends Benfica’s Lead to Six
Benfica dismantled Valongo’s resistance shortly after the restart. Nil Roca extended the lead to 4-1 at 27′ before adding his second goal at 31′ to make it 5-1. Zé Miranda capped the scoring at 36′ with a strike to seal the 6-1 final scoreline.
The victory marks a successful start to the defense of the Elite Cup, where Benfica holds a record four titles in the men’s competition.
Tournament Context and Upcoming Semifinal Matchups
The Elite Cup brings together the top tier of Portuguese rink hockey for the first trophy of the 2026/27 campaign. While Benfica booked the first semifinal spot on Thursday, other quarterfinal ties featured Sporting against Oliveirense at 22h00, followed by Friday fixtures pairing FC Porto against AD Sanjoanense at 19h00 and OC Barcelos against HC Braga at 22h00.
FC Porto goalkeeper Xavi Malián highlighted the high stakes of the knockout format ahead of his team’s tournament debut, stating that his squad had endured an atypical preseason due to national team absences but entered the competition with full ambition. After a very atypical preseason with so many players on international duty.
, Xavi Malián stated, adding that he was Very enthusiastic, highly ambitious, and prepared for what’s to come.
. At the start of the season, the game is more balanced, and this is a knockout match, so we have to be very attentive and focused.
, he explained, noting the necessity to maintain focus for 50 minutes
.