In a shocking turn of events, Martín Anselmi's tenure at Porto has taken a severe hit following a devastating 4-1 defeat to Benfica in the Clásico de Portugal, which took place on April 6, 2025. This loss marks Porto's worst home defeat in this storied rivalry in the last 80 years, leaving Anselmi and his squad in a precarious position as they trail Benfica by a staggering 12 points in the Primeira Liga with only six matches remaining.
The match was a nightmare for Anselmi, who had arrived at Porto amid high expectations after a controversial departure from Cruz Azul. The defeat not only jeopardizes Porto's chances of clinching the league title but also raises serious questions about Anselmi's future at the club. As it stands, Porto needs to win all their remaining games while hoping for multiple losses from both Benfica and Sporting Lisboa to have any chance at the title.
Benfica's triumph was highlighted by a remarkable performance from Vangelis Pavlidis, who netted a hat trick with goals at the 1st, 42nd, and 69th minutes. Nicolás Otamendi added another in stoppage time, while Samu Aghehowa scored a consolation goal for Porto in the 81st minute. This result has put Porto in a challenging spot, as they now face the risk of slipping to fourth place and missing out on European competition next season.
Meanwhile, the reaction from Cruz Azul, Anselmi's former club, has been nothing short of sensational. Shortly after Benfica's victory, Cruz Azul took to social media with a post featuring three emojis: a red circle, a white circle, and a flame. This post was widely interpreted as a mocking celebration of Anselmi's misfortune, particularly given the ongoing legal disputes between the two parties regarding Anselmi's abrupt departure from Cruz Azul.
Cruz Azul's social media team capitalized on the situation, with many fans interpreting the emojis as a direct jab at the struggling coach. The context of their post is steeped in animosity, as Cruz Azul is embroiled in a legal battle with Anselmi over a $7 million exit clause that remains unpaid. This ongoing conflict has escalated to the point where it is now under investigation by FIFA.
The relationship between Anselmi and Cruz Azul soured significantly when he left the club in January 2025 to take the helm at Porto, a decision that was met with anger from his former employers. Anselmi's departure came in the midst of the Clausura 2025 tournament, which has left Cruz Azul feeling aggrieved, particularly since they have yet to receive the financial compensation owed to them.
As Cruz Azul prepares for their upcoming series against América in the Concachampions, Porto's situation is markedly different. Anselmi's arrival was initially seen as a bold move, but now he finds himself under immense pressure to deliver results. With the team currently sitting third in the Primeira Liga with 56 points, the pressure is mounting as they must fend off challenges from Sporting Braga for a coveted spot in European competitions.
Following the defeat, Anselmi's position has been called into question, with many speculating about the potential for a managerial change at Porto. The club's failure to secure a title this season could have dire consequences for Anselmi, who was brought in to revitalize a squad that had high aspirations. The historic nature of this loss only adds to the scrutiny surrounding his leadership.
In the aftermath of the match, social media has erupted with commentary from fans and analysts alike. Many have taken to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their opinions on Anselmi's future, with some suggesting that his time at Porto could be coming to an end if results do not improve. The juxtaposition of Cruz Azul's mocking post and Porto's dismal performance has created a narrative that is hard to ignore, with both clubs' fates intertwined in a web of rivalry and legal disputes.
As the league progresses, all eyes will be on Porto to see if Anselmi can turn things around and secure a spot in European competition. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, and the stakes could not be higher for the Argentine coach. With the pressure mounting and the eyes of both supporters and critics upon him, Anselmi must rally his players and find a way to navigate this tumultuous period.
In summary, the fallout from Porto's loss to Benfica has significant implications not only for Anselmi's career but also for the future of the club. As the Primeira Liga enters its final stretch, every match will be crucial, and the repercussions of this defeat will be felt long into the future. Will Anselmi rise to the occasion, or will this be the beginning of the end for his tenure at Porto?
