Victory over Vitória de Setúbal (2-0) in a match completely dominated by the blue and whites
FC Porto returned to Estádio do Dragão to clear any doubts regarding their current shape. Without showing any sign of anxiety of lack of confidence, the national champions were overwhelming over Vitória de Setúbal, assuming the full control of the match and assuring the victory (2-0) by numbers that are too short, given the attacking production.
Wilson Manafá debuted in the starting team, and was one of the three changes made. The fullback played on the right of the defence, with Éder Militão returning to the centre. Corona returned to replace the injured Yacine Brahimi, and formed an extremely mobile trident with Otávio and Adrián López, who deserved the confidence of Sérgio Conceição after the goals scored in Rome.
Vitória de Setúbal felt tremendous difficulties to counter the offensive dynamics of the national champions. Soares was the only player staying upfront. Apart from that, Corona cut inside often, leaving the wings to Otávio, on the right, and Adrián López, on the left.
Using a high pace from the start, FC Porto scored on the third attempt. After Felipe (5m) and Corona (10m) missed the target, Herrera made it count 15 minutes in. Corona started the play and passed to Adrián, who had his shot deflected on Vasco Fernandes, and the captain was there to finish it, with his head.
The Dragons were rewarded for the strong start and didn’t stop after the goal. On the other side of the pitch, Vitória, counting on Sandro Mendes and Jorge Andrade - a cheered return to Estádio do Dragão - did little or nothing to bother Casillas. The first shot for the visitors, of three in the entire match, came only on minute 27, with Mendy heading the ball.
FC Porto completely dominated the match and created enough opportunities to build a bigger result. Otávio (20m), Alex Telles (21m), Soares (33m) and Adrián López (37m) came close to the 2-0, but the fans would have to wait for the second-half for that. In between, Danilo Pereira was injured, following a tackled from Éber Bessa, but no yellow card was given. Danilo had to leave, replaced by Óliver, and the opposing midfielder ended up being sent-off, 53 minutes in, with two yellow cards, after a hard tackle on Otávio and a dive in the area.
Playing in front of over 40 thousand fans, on the third match played at Estádio do Dragão in 2019 (there were nine matches away), the national champions increased the advantage after the hour mark, when Éder Militão and Corona had already wasted good opportunities. Alex Telles came on the right, got the ball and everyone knew what was coming. A perfect assistance from the left fullback to a great header for Soares, not giving any chances to Cristiano. 14 goals for the Brazilian forward in season 2018/19, setting the final score in a blue evening.
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