Game 6 of Group B delivered one of the most entertaining and dramatic encounters of the group stage so far. With both sides needing a result to stay in the hunt for Cup qualification, the stakes were high. Dumpling CF, looking to bounce back from a heavy 7-0 loss to Bonde Sem Freio, came out with renewed energy and purpose. They stunned their French opponents by taking an early lead through Gurvinder Bura, who calmly slotted home to give the English side a much-needed confidence boost.

Foot 130 B responded through their in-form striker Yoan Malard, who grabbed his third goal in three games to level things up. But Dumpling CF showed great character and resilience, and Bura struck again before the break to make it 2-1 – a scoreline that few would have predicted at kick-off. At half-time, the underdogs had a real chance to record a statement win.

However, the second half was a different story. Foot 130 B came out with a more controlled and clinical performance, showing the experience that saw them reach a Cup Semi-Final in a previous campaign. Max Remesy brought the scores level again with a composed finish before Dmitriy Eliastratov netted what would prove to be the winner. It was a hard-fought 3-2 victory that demonstrated Foot 130 B's ability to dig deep when needed. Dumpling CF pushed hard to find an equaliser, but the French held firm to secure three crucial points and keep their Group B campaign alive.

The much-anticipated clash between the top two sides in Group B lived up to its billing, though it was Bonde Sem Freio who ultimately underlined their dominance with another impressive performance. Coming into the game with a perfect record, the Portuguese side were full of confidence – and it showed. Fabricio Simoes opened the scoring with his third goal of the tournament, capping a slick team move with a composed finish. Wheverton Lima then doubled the advantage before half-time, giving Bonde Sem Freio a commanding 2-0 lead.

The second half saw a moment of madness as Bonde Sem Freio received a red card - two yellow cards in quick succession – both for dissent. Despite this, the Portuguese continued to control the tempo and remained composed under pressure. Rather than allowing Bendeeca back into the contest, they put the game to bed when Wheverton Lima struck again, sealing a 3-0 win with his second of the game.

The victory was Bonde Sem Freio's third from three and extended their lead at the top of Group B to five points. It was a commanding statement of intent from the Portuguese side, who are not only winning games but doing so with authority and style. Bendeeca, despite suffering their first defeat, remain well in the mix for Cup qualification but will need to bounce back quickly.

RAF's most recent appearance with us was also in Porugal at the inaugural Porto Tournament. Their group campaign opened up with a 1-0 defeat to eventual champions Polonia Limerick and a 2-1 defeat to eventual runners-up, 5ive Guys. It was the fated Group of Death! They got their first win on the board with a 5-1 victory over Mates/Lads FC. Another victory, 2-0 v Stats FC, saw them finish 3rd in the group and qualify for the Cup. Due to the pre-ordained draw, it meant they met 5ive Guys again in the Cup Quarter-Finals but with the result as they exited the tournament 4-2.

RAF1 started Game 8 of Group B at the foot of the table – a shock position if you'd have asked us before the start of the tournament based on results in previous years. They were up against Dumpling CF who were a bit of a rogue unknown quantity in the tournament. They began with a decent 1-1 draw, got thrashed by Bonde Sem Freio and then pushed Foot 130 B all the way. This was Dumpling CF's final group game and last chance to impress in the group. A win would give them a shot at Cup qualification.

Rafael Santos had other ideas for RAF1 though as he scored twice in the first half for RAF1. The Portuguese team were in a commanding position at half-time. The second half saw Santos complete his hat-trick as RAF1 ran out 3-0 victors. Dumpling CF slipped to the foot of the table but knew the Plate awaited them. RAF1 were up to fourth with a game in hand – they were back in business in Group B.

Game 9 of Group B shaped up to be a crucial decider for second place and a prized spot in the Cup competition. With both Foot 130 B and Bendeeca still in contention, the stakes were high and the tension showed in a cautious first half that ended goalless. Neither side wanted to blink first, and chances were at a premium as both teams focused on keeping things tight at the back.

The second half, however, came to life in dramatic fashion. Foot 130 B broke the deadlock through Leroyd Colmar who finished confidently to give the French side the lead. Clarence Bordeau de Fontenay then doubled their advantage, giving Foot 130 B a strong grip on the game and the Cup qualification spot. Bendeeca were handed a lifeline when Yoan Malard, who had scored in every group game so far, unfortunately found his own net to make it 2-1. I am not sure if this counts towards his goal-per-game record or not!

Any hopes of a comeback were swiftly extinguished when Antoine Botrel struck a decisive third for Foot 130 B. The 3-1 final scoreline meant that the French side cemented second place and progressed to the Cup with a strong showing, while Bendeeca, despite a valiant effort, had to settle for third (unless RAF 1 could spring a surprise in the next game) and a place in the Plate competition.

With top spot in Group B already secured, Bonde Sem Freio could have been forgiven for taking their foot off the gas. However, the Portuguese side showed no signs of easing up as they looked to carry momentum into the knockout phase. Their opponents RAF1 still had everything to play for – a win would have lifted them into third place on six points and potentially into the Cup as one of the best third-placed finishers.

Bonde Sem Freio quickly made their intentions clear. Diogo Zovo opened the scoring early before Milton Neto doubled the advantage, giving the group leaders a 2-0 cushion at half-time. RAF1 struggled to gain a foothold and found themselves consistently on the back foot. The second half followed a similar pattern as Fabricio Simoes added a third – his fourth of the tournament – to complete a comfortable 3-0 win.

With the result, Bonde Sem Freio rounded off the group stage with a flawless record: four wins from four, 15 goals scored, just one conceded. They moved into the Cup knockouts with confidence and a growing reputation as one of the standout teams of the 2025 Lisbon Fives. RAF1, meanwhile, fell just short in their quest for Cup qualification but had shown plenty of spirit across their campaign. The Plate awaited them – a competition they had won before.