After a disappointing season, FC Porto finished third in the Primeira Liga. The former Champions League winners were hoping to have a piece of silverware to adorn their impressive club museum and assuage their angry fans.
But once again the Porto defence was at fault in both Braga goals as Rui Fonte and Josué took advantage. In a repeat of last season’s final, Braga were not able to hold on to a two-goal lead and a double strike by André Silva, the second in stoppage time, levelled the score at 2-2.
Braga fans must have feared cruel heartbreak for the second year running as Porto turned on the pressure in extra-time, but they held out and this time won the penalty shootout.
Marafona was Braga’s goalkeeping hero as he produced two fine stops from Herrera and Maxi Pereira to trigger wild celebrations among the Braga coaching staff, players and fans.