The 2023-24 European season is finally upon us, but we’ve already witnessed some interesting games. Shortly after the FA Community Shield, lifelong rivals Benfica and Porto clashed in the Portuguese Super Cup. Once teammates at Real Madrid, Angel Di Maria and Pepe were on opposite sides at the Estadio Municipal de Aveiro.
The reigning Primeira Liga champions got the upper hand, thanks to goals from the Argentine star and Petar Musa. The Lisbon-based outfit hit twice in just seven minutes in the second half.
While it was a perfect night for Di Maria in his first official appearance since returning to Portugal, Pepe had a forgettable game. After seeing the red card in the final minutes, the veteran defender taunted Benfica fans.
Video: Pepe shows Porto shirt to Benfica fans after seeing red card
Pepe saw the red card in stoppage time, taking his shirt off and showing it to Benfica supporters on his way off the field. However, that didn’t prevent the rivals from celebrating another title.
🇵🇹😳 Pepe fue EXPULSADO en la final de la SuperTaça y, antes de retirarse, se sacó la camiseta y se la mostró a la hinchada del Benfica desde el campo de juego. Y con su equipo perdiendo 0-2…
Porto will have a chance to redeem themselves in the Portuguese top-flight, in which Benfica will try to defend their crown. The 2023-24 Primeira Liga gets underway this weekend, so it will be interesting to see how the course of the campaign develops.
Video: Di Maria’s goal for Benfica against Porto
ÁNGEL DI MARÍA WHAT A GOAL IN THE FINAL AGAINST PORTO!! 🏆 x.com/i/status/16893…
