What Is 2013 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira

Overview

The 2013 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira marked the 35th edition of Portugal’s premier season-opening football match, traditionally contested between the previous season’s league champions and cup winners. Held on August 11, 2013, the match featured FC Porto, champions of the 2012–13 Primeira Liga, and Vitória de Guimarães, who earned their spot by winning the 2012–13 Taça de Portugal.

The final score was 3–2 in favor of FC Porto, making it a tightly contested and dramatic match. Played at the neutral venue of Estádio Municipal de Aveiro, the game drew significant attention as it marked Guimarães’ first Supertaça appearance since 2003, while Porto aimed to extend their record number of titles in the competition.

• FC Porto entered as defending league champions after winning the 2012–13 Primeira Liga with 88 points and a +56 goal difference.
• Vitória de Guimarães qualified by defeating Benfica 2–1 in the 2013 Taça de Portugal final, their first major trophy in 11 years.
• The match kicked off at 20:45 local time and was officiated by referee Jorge Sousa, a top-tier Portuguese official.
• Porto took an early lead with a goal by Hulk in the 10th minute, followed by a second from Josué in the 34th minute.
• Guimarães staged a comeback with goals from André Martins in the 48th minute and João Vilela in the 65th minute to level the score at 2–2.

How It Works

The Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira is an annual Portuguese football match that traditionally opens the domestic season, pitting the previous season’s league champions against the cup winners. The format is a single match, hosted at a neutral stadium, with extra time and penalties used if necessary to determine a winner.

• Qualification Criteria: The Primeira Liga titleholders and Taça de Portugal winners compete, ensuring top-tier representation from both major domestic competitions.
• Venue Selection: The match is held at a neutral stadium; in 2013, the Estádio Municipal de Aveiro was chosen, seating approximately 30,000 spectators.
• Match Duration: The game follows standard 90-minute regulation, with two 15-minute extra time periods if the score is tied after 90 minutes.
• Penalty Shootout: If the match remains tied after extra time, a penalty shootout decides the winner, though this was unnecessary in 2013.
• Historical Context: Named after journalist Cândido de Oliveira, the trophy has been awarded since 1979, honoring excellence in Portuguese football.
• Winning Goal:João Alves scored in the 87th minute, securing Porto’s victory and marking the latest goal of the match.

Comparison at a Glance

A direct comparison of the two teams’ performances and qualifications for the 2013 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira reveals key differences in form, history, and tournament experience.

The table illustrates Porto’s dominance in league performance and historical presence in the Supertaça, while Guimarães’ qualification was a rare achievement based on cup success. Despite their lower league finish, Guimarães proved competitive, pushing Porto to the final minutes before conceding the winner.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira was more than just a season opener—it highlighted the competitive balance in Portuguese football and celebrated underdog achievements through Guimarães’ cup victory. For Porto, the win reinforced their status as a dominant force, securing their 20th Supertaça title and adding to their trophy collection.

• Historic Achievement: Vitória de Guimarães’ appearance was only their second in Supertaça history, underscoring the rarity of such opportunities for non-'Big Three' clubs.
• Porto’s Dominance: The victory extended FC Porto’s record as the most successful club in Supertaça history with 20 titles after this win.
• Attendance Impact: The match drew over 22,000 spectators, reflecting strong fan interest despite being held at a neutral venue.
• Player Performances: Hulk and João Alves were pivotal, with both scoring and demonstrating match-winning influence under pressure.
• Media Coverage: The game was broadcast nationally by RTP, highlighting its significance in the Portuguese sports calendar.
• Season Momentum: Porto’s win provided early-season confidence, contributing to a strong start in the 2013–14 Primeira Liga campaign.

The 2013 Supertaça remains a memorable chapter in Portuguese football, combining drama, history, and the thrill of competition between elite and emerging forces in the national game.