OC Barcelos are WSE 2024/25 European champions after beating FC Porto in the final, which had to go to extra time (1-1) and penalties. In the final, the Minhotos scored twice and FC Porto missed their chances. A great game of rink hockey, in a packed pavilion in Matosinhos and a true anthem to the sport
Link fotos and audio: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WaxHtbAVuB31sCYU9Dy6njPNCPtU_qAS
A great game of rink hockey, worthy of a major final. The pavilion was sold out, with more than 3,000 fans and two great teams who showed immense respect for each other. After 60 intense minutes, there was a draw (1-1) that forced a penalty shoot-out. OC Barcelos were the cooler side, scoring twice and Acevedo blocking the goal.
In a game where the trophy was up for grabs, every detail counted and the intensity, sometimes mixed with nerves, was at an all-time high. The search for a goal became unbridled and although tactical rigour was not always respected, the vertigo made the game more exciting and spectacular, infecting the atmosphere in the pavilion. That’s how the first half went, where Carlo di Benedetto’s goal (17′) showed that FC Porto were determined to find the strength to lift the cup.
Half-time arrived with the Portistas in the lead, but the Barcelos team were also unconcerned and energized by a huge support group. Taking advantage of a numerical advantage due to Benedetto’s temporary suspension, Miguel Rocha shot across goal from the left to equalize the game (28′).
Both teams put their offensive resources into practice, the chances came and went and both goalkeepers shone. As regulation time ended, tension increased and the game became chaotic. The crowd was into it and cheered on their colours, making the atmosphere in the pavilion worthy of a great final where both shots and saves were celebrated as if they were goals. With 48 seconds remaining in regulation time, Miguel Rocha had a direct free kick, but Xavi Malián was huge in goal and the tie didn’t break. Just as it didn’t go away in the ten minutes of extra time, forcing a penalty shoot-out to find the winner.
With 48 seconds remaining in regulation time, Miguel Rocha had a direct free kick, but Xavi Malián was huge in goal and the tie didn’t break. Just as it didn’t go away in the ten minutes of extra time, forcing a penalty shoot-out to find the winner. Pedro Silva and Luís Querido scored for OC Barcelos, while FC Porto’s men came up against a huge barrier called Conti Acevedo, who kept the net clean.
OC Barcelos celebrated, they’re European champions!
Statements from the coaches:
NETO Rui, OC Barcelos coach
“I feel indescribably proud of this team and this fantastic crowd. We knew how to suffer, but we came on very well in the second half and went all the way to penalties. I’m very, very happy with this result, we’ve been looking for this for a long time, it’s the result of our work and effort. I’d like to congratulate FC Porto, but above all I’d like to congratulate my players, our fans and our managers. Now it’s time to celebrate.”
ARES Ricardo, FC Porto coach
“We failed on penalties. It was a great game, between two teams who really wanted to win, but only one could win when it came to penalties. We tried everything during the 60 minutes, the players fulfilled what we had set out, then the penalties fell to them. Congratulations to OC Barcelos.”
Statements from the players:
Conti Acevedo, OC Barcelos player
“I’m still not myself… I haven’t had time to think about what’s happening… I don’t think I’ve realised yet that we’re European champions. I feel immensely happy after a great game, congratulations!”
Gonçalo Alves, FC Porto player
” Both teams showed that they play very well, there was a great atmosphere in the pavilion, proving that when things are done right hockey can provide great spectacles and that we are in a great sport. Congratulations to OC Barcelos, congratulations to my team-mates, we fought hard, but on penalties they were stronger. We wanted to win the Champions League in Porto, but it wasn’t possible.”
Final WSE Champions League Final Four 2024/2025
Sunday, 11 May 2025 + 16h00 + Centro de Desportos e Congressos de Matosinhos
Referees: FERNANDEZ Ruben and VILLAR Daniel
OC BARCELOS, 1 FC PORTO, 1*
1 ACEVEDO Conti 1 MALIÁN Xavi
7 MANRUBIA POL 6 LAMAS Edu
10 RAMPULLA Danilo 9 COSTA José ‘Rafa’
19 QUERIDO Luis © 19 BENEDETTO Carlo, 0-1 (17’)
44 ROCHA Miguel, 1-1 (28’) 77 ALVES Gonçalo ©
27 BARBOSA Luís 24 PAIS Leonardo
05 CHAMBELLA Santiago 4 SANTOS Tomás
08 SILVA Pedro 7 MENA Ezequiel
18 POKA 78 NUNES Hélder
24 VIEIRINHA 88 BARATA Diogo
Tr. NETO Rui Tr. ARES Ricardo
*After extra time
– Penalty shoot-out: Hélder Nunes, missed; Miguel Rocha, missed; Edu Lamas, missed; 2-1, by Pedro Silva; Gonçalo Alves, missed; 3-1, by Luís Querido; Rafa, missed
Calendar of the World Skate Europe Champions League Final Four 2024/2025:
– Saturday, May 10
Semi-final 1, at 12:00 (GMT+1): SL BENFICA – FC PORTO FIDELIDADE = 3-2 after overtimes
Semi-final 2, at 15:30 (GMT+1):: OC BARCELOS – CE NOIA FREIXENET = 3-1
– Sunday, May 11
Final, at 16:00 (GMT+1): OC BARCELS – FC PORTO FIDELIDADE = 3-1 after penalty shots
