Despite not conceding any goal, Iker Casillas was sad after the end of the match. The Spanish goalkeeper was frustrated that FC Porto couldn’t win a match where they had the best opportunities and had the streak of 18 consecutive victories ending. Still, Casillas assures the team is focused on the decisive matches ahead, for several competitions. The tie against Sporting (0-0) keeps FC Porto in the lead of the championship, with 43 points, five more than Benfica, second.

Tie is not enough
“We came here aiming at another three points and another victory, something we got used to in the last months. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. We will be returning home disappointed as our goal was to win. This is our mentality. This tie has a bitter taste.”

Difference from the first to the second-half
“It was a difficult match for us, but it was a difficult match for Sporting as well, as they are far behind FC Porto. We had to adjust to the setting in Alvalade. In the first-half, there was mutual respect, but, in the second, there was a stronger FC Porto, dominating the ball. We had the chance to score from several counter-attacks. Sporting also had some opportunities, but the best belonged to us.”

Focus on the second turn of the season
“We had a great first turn and we need to keep it up for the second. We have decisive matches coming up, in several competitions, especially the domestic ones, and we will look at each match as special and vital.”

End of the winning streak
“It has a bitter taste. We are used to getting the three points every time, and leaving Alvalade with just one makes us sad. We had more ball possession, we dominated the match, but you just miss the goals sometimes, and that’s what happened today.”