Benfica 3-1 Porto (agg 3-2): Andre Gomes books Eagles' Portuguese Cup final place as Jorge Jesus and Ricardo Quaresma see red and fans invade pitch in stormy clash

By Brian Homewood, Reuters

Published: 19:44 EDT, 16 April 2014 | Updated: 20:00 EDT, 16 April 2014

Ten players were booked, two sent off, both coaches were dismissed and fans ran on to the pitch as Benfica, playing for more than one hour with 10 men, beat arch-rivals Porto 3-1 to reach the Portuguese Cup final on Wednesday.

A world-class goal by midfielder Andre Gomes, the only Portuguese player in Benfica's starting line-up, settled a stormy semi-final 10 minutes from time as the Eagles won the two-legged tie 3-2 on aggregate.

Pedro Proenca, Portugal's World Cup referee, struggled to control a game full of niggly exchanges, scuffles, protests and theatrics.

Knockout blow: Benfica's midfielder Andre Gomes, right, hits home the winner against Porto (R) kicks the ball to score a goal against FC Porto during the Portugal Cup semifinal second leg football match SL Benfica vs FC Porto at Luz stadium in Lisbon on April 16, 2014. AFP PHOTO/ PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRAPATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP/Getty Images

Sheer joy: Benfica's Gomes celebrates after scoring against arch-rivals Porto

Stripping off: A topless Gomes enjoys scoring his stunning goal against Porto

Stopped in his tracks: A Benfica fan is tackled by security guards after invading the pitch following Gomes' goal against Porto

Both red cards appeared harsh as did the penalty which put Benfica 2-1 ahead.

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus ended up watching the match in the crowd, while Porto's Ricardo Quaresma, apparently too shocked to protest his red card, simply shook the referee's hand and walked off.

Manchester United boss David Moyes was in the crowd to check out two Porto players - highly-rated centre back Eliaquim Mangala and his team-mate Jackson Martinez. In addition, Moyes has been alerted to the form of Benfica’s on-loan left back Guilherme Siqueira and was keen to see him in action.

The defeat continued a bitter season for Porto, who have lost their league crown, fell at the group stage in the Champions League and were knocked out of the Europa League last week.

High spirits: A security guard detains a Benfica fan who had invaded the pitch after Gomes' goal

Putting his body on the line: Benfica's Eduardo Salvio, left, heads the ball to score the opener against Porto

Benfica, trailing 1-0 from the first leg, levelled on aggregate when Eduardo Salvio's far post header found its way between Porto goalkeeper Fabiano and the near post in the 16th minute.

The Eagles, starting with nine South Americans, were in control until Siqueira was booked twice in three minutes and sent off just before the half hour.

Benfica retreated and Porto levelled seven minutes after the break with an individual goal by Portugal winger Silvestre Varela, who burst through the defence and slotted his shot between Artur's legs.

Silencing the crowd: Porto's forward Silvestre Varela celebrates after scoring against Benfica

Cool customer: Benfica's Enzo Perez celebrates scoring from the penalty spot against Porto

There was another twist in the 59th minute when Salvio went down under minimal contact from Diego Reyes and Enzo Perez slotted in the penalty to put Benfica back in front.

Benfica still needed another goal and Gomes delivered for his team. The 20-year-old Portuguese international controlled the ball on his chest with his back to goal, turned and flicked it past his marker in one movement and fired his shot between Fabiano and the near post.

Several fans ran on to the pitch as the stadium erupted and Gomes was booked for taking his shirt off in celebration.  

Dismissed: Benfica coach Jorge Jesus, left, and Porto boss Luis Castro were sent off in the closing stages

Off you go: Porto's forward Ricardo Quaresma is sent off during the match against Benfica

The game degenerated and Jesus was ordered from the touchline for entering the field to speak to the match officials. He stepped into the crowd behind the team bench to watch the rest of the game and was mobbed at the end.

Counterpart Luis Castro was dismissed three minutes later, although it was not clear why, then Quaresma was sent off for a second yellow card. However, he did little more than point out to the referee that he had been elbowed twice in the face.

Benfica, who will clinch the league title if they beat Olhanense on Sunday, will meet Rio Ave in the final after the side from Vila do Conde beat Braga 2-0 for a 2-0 aggregate win.

Ukra and Ruben Ribeiro scored in each half to sent Rio Ave into only their second final and the first since 1984.