FC Porto beat Portimonense (4-1) at the start of matchday 12 of the Portuguese League, assuring the 11th consecutive victory. Once again, the National Champions overcame the adversities and assured the best record for Sérgio Conceição since taking the lead of the Dragons. The turnaround against the team from Algarve, assured in the second-half of the match, extends the good moment for the blue and white team.

The match at Estádio do Dragão was intense, well played, with goal opportunities, a frantic pace, and a man that deserved an homage from the blue and white nation: Jackson Martínez, the top scorer in the 15 years of history of the grounds, returned to a stage that he used to own and received an ovation, when he was replaced, 75 minutes in.

Portimonense, led by António Folha, aimed at the structure with 5 defenders and two defensive midfielders, aiming at blocking the way to goal. On the other end of the pitch, there were three men creating danger, and, in a quick transition, the visitors did score, by Vítor Tormenta (9m).

Sérgio Conceição, who had switched Herrera for Soares in comparison to the battle in Bessa, was watching as the Dragons started with a bad setting to end with a fantastic recovery. In between, there is a lot to tell. On minute 17, for example, the refereeing team signalled an off-side and disallowed the goal scored by Brahimi. Shortly after, the same Brahimi was tackled on the edge of the area, but no foul was given.

FC Porto didn’t lose focus and set up the siege. Moussa Marega was the one tying the match, with a subtle header on the near post, following a corner-kick take by Alex Telles (21m). The signal was given to start the turnaround, but the fans had to wait for the second-half, as Soares (28m, 34m, and 40m), Otávio (39m), and Brahimi (43m), all failed to make it count before the break. On the way to halftime, Herrera went in to replace Óliver.

The national champions turned to the South, their favourite attacking direction, and the turnaround was achieved with a bang: three goals in just seven minutes, in a overwhelming period for the blue and whites. Marega was the man under the spotlight, intercepting the ball on the midfield, with his head, running to the area and then passing to Soares, after a cross from Brahimi.

The strategy of the opponent, aiming at quick counter-attacks, crumbled like a deck of cards. The second goal came on minute 57 and the advantage would be quickly increased, after a great initiative from Danilo Pereira. Brahimi received on the left, cut inside, and shot for goal.

Iker Casillas, who had already made a good save to a shot from Jackson Martínez, in the first-half, again showed he is in shape after Dener tried to tie the match, in the heart of the blue and white area. The goal did come, but on the other end of the pitch, again from a set piece. Éder Militão headed the ball and Marega, in regular position, set the final score, closing the night with two goals and an assistance. FC Porto showed the attitude of a Champion.