Sometimes, football gives you a story so wild, you’d swear it was scripted. Sunday’s clash between FC Porto B and Torreense was exactly that. It painted a vivid picture of a team that clawed its way back from the brink and another left fuming at the decisions that shaped their destiny. Torreense, playing away from home, pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory, erasing a two-goal deficit. The drama, however, wasn’t just in the scoreline; the performance of referee VÃtor Ferreira drew heavy fire from the Porto B camp.
The first half felt like a masterclass from the young Dragons. They controlled the tempo, moved the ball with intent, and found their rhythm early. At just 12 minutes, Gonçalo Sousa delivered a moment of magic. Following a clever cross from Martim Cunha on the left, Sousa unleashed an acrobatic bicycle kick that left Torreense goalkeeper Unai Perez with no chance, putting Porto B ahead. For a spell, Torreense tried to push back, forcing Porto to defend deeper. There was even a moment when a rushed exit by Unai Perez created a chance for Porto B, though it ultimately went begging.
The tension truly ratcheted up just before halftime. The energetic Gonçalo Sousa was brought down inside the box by Ali-Diadié at 44 minutes. Referee VÃtor Ferreira initially waved play on. But the video assistant referee (VAR) stepped in, prompting a review. After a close look, the decision was overturned, and a penalty was awarded to FC Porto B. Kauê Rodrigues calmly converted from the spot in the fifth minute of added time, sending his team into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead. It seemed a certain path to their first league win of the season.
But football has a way of turning expectations on their head. Torreense manager VÃtor Martins made three bold changes at halftime. The timid play of the first 45 minutes vanished, replaced by a surge of courage and aggressive play. This newfound energy quickly paid off. In the 63rd minute, Porto B’s central defender Gabriel Brás took a gamble in a challenge, giving away a penalty. Spanish forward Manuel Pozo stepped up and slotted it home, cutting the lead to 2-1.
Just seven minutes later, the comeback intensified. Costinha whipped in a corner from the right flank. Stopira rose highest in the Porto B penalty area, powering a header past the goalkeeper to equalize. The crowd was stunned. Those two quick goals seemed to drain the belief from FC Porto B and inject immense confidence into the visitors. The turnaround was completed only three minutes after the equalizer. Another penalty was awarded to Torreense, and once again, Manuel Pozo, one of Martins’ impactful halftime substitutes, made no mistake. The scoreboard now read 3-2 to Torreense.
FC Porto B’s coach, João Brandão, desperately tried to rally his troops, using his remaining two substitutions. However, his efforts were in vain. His team had lost their way and their spirit, while Torreense held firm, showing remarkable composure and unity until the final whistle.
This defeat marked FC Porto B’s fifth loss in the league campaign. They remain rooted to the bottom of the standings with just two points and are still searching for their first victory. Torreense, on the other hand, made a significant leap, climbing from ninth to fifth place, now holding 11 points after their memorable comeback.
Match Summary
The match was played at Estádio LuÃs Filipe Menezes, in Vila Nova de Gaia.
FC Porto B 2 – Torreense 3.
Halftime score: 2-0.
Goal Scorers
- 1-0, Gonçalo Sousa, 12 minutes.
- 2-0, Kauê Rodrigues, 45+5 minutes (penalty).
- 2-1, Manu Pozo, 63 minutes (penalty).
- 2-2, Stopira, 70 minutes.
- 2-3, Manu Pozo, 73 minutes (penalty).
Teams
FC Porto B: Diogo Fernandes, Pedro Lima, Gabriel Brás, Felipe Silva, Martim Cunha, João Teixeira (André Oliveira, 65), Domingos Andrade (Leonardo Vonic, 76), Kauê Rodrigues (Kotharo, 76), Gonçalo Sousa (André Miranda, 65), Melnichenka and Bryan Caicedo (Tiago Andrade, 56).
(Substitutes: Gonçalo Ribeiro, Kotharo, António Ribeiro, Tiago Silva, Tiago Andrade, André Oliveira, André Miranda, Dinis Rodrigues and Leonardo Vonic).
Coach: João Brandão.
Torreense: Unai Perez, David (Manu Pozo, 46), Stopira, Ali Diadié, Javi Vázquez, Arnau, Léo (Ismail Seidy, 46), Alejandro Alfaro (André Simões, 46), Costinha, Kevin Zohi (Mateusz Kowalski, 69) and Dani Jean (Danilo Santos, 75).
(Substitutes: Lucas Pais, Manu Pozo, Mateusz Kowalski, André Simões, Ismail Seydi, Brian Agbort, Danilo Santos, Guilherme Liberato and Afonso Peixoto).
Coach: VÃtor Martins.
Officials
Referee: VÃtor Ferreira (AF Braga).
Disciplinary action: Yellow cards for Léo (07), Gabi (09), Domingos Andrade (16), at 45+4 minutes, and Tiago Andrade (68).
Attendance
449 spectators.