During the pre-match press conference, Mourinho stated that Porto was an "easy-to-analyze" team, suggesting that understanding their opponent's operations only required looking at statistics and figures.

Therefore, immediately after eliminating Benfica in the National Cup quarter-finals, Porto responded with a brief message on social media X: "Easy to analyze, hard to beat", accompanied by a smirk emoji, conveying a sarcastic tone.

After three hours, the post garnered over 80,000 views, more than 4,000 likes, over 1,300 reposts, and nearly 100 comments.

Porto posted a message responding to Mourinho on social media X.

The match at Dragao on 14/1 was intense and balanced. Porto controlled 45% of possession, taking 12 shots with six on target, compared to Benfica's 13 shots with three on target. The difference came in the 15th minute when Jan Bednarek scored with a header from a corner kick, giving Porto a 1-0 victory and a spot in the semi-finals.

After the match, Mourinho asserted that Benfica had shown their true identity, despite unfavorable circumstances regarding personnel and playing conditions. "Playing at Dragao is always very difficult, especially against Porto. But with the way we played today, Benfica deserved a better result", he stated. "The missed opportunity in the 90th minute is clear evidence. We didn't have major issues in our play, controlling the match well despite many absences and forced changes".

According to the Portuguese coach, Benfica did not create too many opportunities, but the number of dangerous situations was enough to score in both halves. "We didn't have 10 clear chances, but what we did have was enough to score and create a completely different outcome", he lamented.

The "Special One" also praised his players' fighting spirit, especially Richard Rios, who played despite fitness issues. "His attitude is something I deeply appreciate", he emphasized.

Coach Jose Mourinho reacts during Benfica's 0-1 loss to Porto in the Portuguese National Cup quarter-finals on 14/1. *Photo: Abola*

Being eliminated from the National Cup means Benfica will likely end the season trophyless. Previously, they lost 1-3 to Braga in the League Cup semi-finals, and are currently third in the national league and 25th in the Champions League.

When asked about the personal impact of the defeat and elimination, Mourinho immediately shifted focus to the path ahead. "I don't understand why you're asking about individuals. I am here to win", he said. "If there are no more competitions to contend for, there are still matches to win. The game against Rio Ave on Saturday is the next objective".

The 62-year-old coach also expressed confidence in maintaining his players' motivation for the rest of the season. "It's very easy to create motivation. This is Benfica, and this is me", he stated. "Anyone wearing the Benfica jersey must always give their all. There are always goals to achieve. The immediate goal is to win the next match. For me, both as a coach and as a person, giving up is something that never exists".

Key moments from Benfica's 0-1 loss to Porto.

Hong Duy (according to Abola)