FC Porto reclaimed the Champions League title by defeating Barcelona 3-1 in a thrilling final, where the Dragons dominated from the start and never let their European dream slip away. Two years after their 2023 triumph, Porto once again sit on the throne of European roller hockey.
The atmosphere at Pavilhão Dr. Mário Mexia was electric from the very first second, and FC Porto capitalized on it instantly. In the opening minute, Marc Grau received a blue card, giving Carlo Di Benedetto a direct free shot, but he missed. It was merely a warning shot.
Just two minutes in, Rafa fired home to make it 1-0, igniting the blue-and-white stands. Barcelona struggled to breathe under the suffocating pressure imposed by Paulo Freitas’s side. In the eighth minute, Gonçalo Alves doubled the lead with a spectacular goal worthy of a European final, bringing the Dragons even closer to glory.
Ricardo Ares’s team took time to respond. Even power-play opportunities failed to break down Porto’s aggressive, well-organized defense, anchored by a colossal Malián in goal. Only just before halftime did the Catalans truly threaten, but Marc Grau and Alabart repeatedly found the Porto goalkeeper standing in their way.
Barcelona revived their hopes early in the second half when Benedetto conceded a penalty, and Alabart converted to make it 2-1 in the 28th minute. For a few moments, the weight of a typical final uncertainty hung in the air.
But this FC Porto never stopped believing. Despite wasting two numerical advantages, the Dragons remained composed, resilient, and competitive. With about six minutes left, the moment that virtually sealed the title arrived: Telmo Pinto scored to make it 3-1, triggering an explosion of joy in the arena. The European dream was turning ever more blue.
In the final minutes, Barcelona threw everything forward but found a Porto side transformed into an unyielding stone wall.
When the final buzzer sounded, Coimbra was painted blue and white. FC Porto were European champions once again.
