FC Porto claimed the Portuguese Super Cup with a 1-0 victory over second-division Torreense in Coimbra on Saturday, with Polish defenders Jakub Kiwior and Jan Bednarek both named in the starting lineup.
Porto entered the match as clear favourites. They won the Portuguese league title last season, finishing six points ahead of Sporting, while Torreense caused a major upset by beating Sporting in the domestic cup final after extra time.
The opening stages did not go to script. Torreense pressed forward from the first whistle and Bednarek was kept busy repelling the second-division side’s attacks, with Porto initially struggling to advance beyond their own half.
Froholdt header settles the match
Porto eventually steadied and took the lead in the 38th minute when Victor Froholdt directed a clever header into the net. They held that advantage through to the break.
Bednarek did not return for the second half. His knee had been packed with ice during the interval, raising concern among Polish supporters. Fellow countryman Oskar Pietuszewski, himself returning from injury, remained on the bench throughout, with coach Francesco Farioli apparently reluctant to risk him on a pitch described as uneven and bare in several areas.
Porto offered little going forward after the break, managing only one shot on target in more than half an hour of play, and that came from a free kick. Torreense came closest to equalising in the 87th minute when Karem Zoabi found himself in an excellent position inside the penalty area but fired well over the crossbar.
The miss sealed the result. Porto collected the trophy, while both clubs now turn their attention to the league. Porto open their Liga Portugal campaign against Alverca on 9 August; Torreense begin their second-division season the same day against Farense.
