Lisbon, April 28 (IANS): A 10-man Benfica qualified for the Portuguese League Cup football finals after beating FC Porto in the penalty shoot-outs.
Benfica's Steven Vitoria was given a straight red card in the 31st minute after a foul on Jackson Martinez here Sunday night, reports Xinhua. Benfica fought tenaciously in the 90 minutes and were held to a 0-0 draw with Porto.
Porto saw more scoring chances, with Jackson Martinez's effort going well over the net following a pass by Herrera on the left flank.
During the penalty shootout Porto wasted three penalty kicks through Jackson Martinez, Maicon and Fernando while Benfica wasted two penalty kicks through Garay and Andre Gomes.
Finally Benfica won the match depending on the 4-3 shootout victory. Benfica will play against Rio Ave in Lisbon's suburban Oeiras May 18 for the Portuguese League Cup title.