Suffering dragon loses three more points

Third defeat in a row for Porto in all competitions, second in the League, this time 3-1 to Gil Vicente. Just like the game with Nacional, the “dragon” remains off.

FC Porto unable to materialize the expected favoritism with which they go into the matches. Mistakes and defensive apathy put everything at risk again. Borges against the tide almost saved a point, but Otávio “sank” the team after a VAR review.

On the trip to Barcelos, the Porto players could have scored after just nine minutes through Samu, with Sandro da Cruz saving on the line. Shortly after, in the 11th minute, in a quick transition, Félix Correia and Kanya Fujimoto (who flexed on the right side until receiving close to Félix on the left without any follow-up) built the play that culminated in the Pablo’s goal on cart in the small area.

The design of this move reflects the rest of the first half of the “dragon”, a team installed in the opponent’s midfield, without ideas, exposed to the quick transitions of the gilistas’ front trio (two blatant occasions). Porto’s apathy is evident in the few duels won at this stage, just 19, the “roosters” were putting the “capoeira” in order with 36.

Gonçalo Borges replaced the faded Galeno at half-time and, just three minutes later, tied the match with an arcing shot. However, the blue and white reaction would only last five minutes with a new moment of defensive apathy allowing Rúben Fernandes’ header to be deflected to the far post, where Josué Sá finished at willreplacing the “rooster” at the front.

The match heated up, with the “blue-and-white” frustration translating, as in the first half, into a lot of foul play. Nico would be sent off after a reckless tackle and, when Gonçalo Borges tied the match, the move was annulled after VAR analysis, as it was preceded by a foul action by Otávio. Penalty for Félix Correia to close the result at 3-1 (Samu ended up being sent off after the game).

The Game in 5 Facts

1. Where is… Samu?

The “dragons” used and abused crosses, reaching a new team maximum in the League with 28, 24 of which did not have the best destination (maximum negative result in the League). Samu, on the other hand, was among the four that reached their destination, converting all of them into headers, equaling Diomande for the most in the League.

2. Win individual duels

It is said that to win a game it is necessary to win individual duels. Vítor Bruno had promised that his players would “leave their skin on the field”, but nevertheless the Gilistas won 62 duels to the detriment of the “portistas”’ 43.

3. From fog to smoke

“Grey” performance of the “dragons”, as shown by the collective average rating of 4.96, very close to the worst “dragon” (4.82).

4. Emotional lack of control

With 18 fouls committed, the “dragons” equaled the maximum in the League, in a game with nine cards (on the field). Porto not only lost three points but also Nico and Samu for the next games.

5. “Rooster” knows how to peck

The gilistas had four blatant occasions in just eight shots, while the “blue and whites”, in 18 shots, did not score any.

Best of the Field

The son of the former Porto Pena player completed an excellent play between Félix and Fujimoto in the best way, sending the ball into the back of Diogo Costa’s net in a small area. He won 11 of the 18 duels he played, being the player who played the most duels and won the most in the match. “He left his skin” on the field, giving the Porto defense a lot of work, having been stopped for free five times (the maximum in the match).

Summary