After beating Gil Vicente (2-0), in Barcelos, for matchday 22 of the competition, FC Porto is in the second place of the Portuguese League, on condition. After the match, at Estádio Cidade de Barcelos, Sérgio Conceição stated that “it was important to win” and praised the performance of the Dragons, who deserved to win by larger numbers: “The result might be short, not because of Gil Vicente, but because of what we did and created”. Next, is Juventus (Tuesday, 20h00, TVI), in Turin, for the second leg of the Round of 16 of the Champions League.

Match analysis
“It was important to win this match, as we faced a team that creates many difficulties at home. In a recent past, they played a hard match against our rival that is in the lead. We started well, and we played a solid and consistent match, realising what the match required of us in its different moments. We had a good dynamic in possession, and a good passing game, something we lacked in recent matches. We got to the goal, but we have to praise the fantastic performance Denis had, as we could have reached the break with three or four more goals. In the second-half, we continued our good dynamic, but always keeping an eye on their quick counter-attacks. We remained balanced, but always keeping an eye on that second goal, which we got in a great shot from Sérgio Oliveira. From then on, we controlled the match even better. The result might be short, not because of Gil Vicente, but because of what we did and created. We showed our true identity, what we are as a team. We were true to ourselves today, always excited, playing with joy and pleasure.”

No goals conceded
“It has to do with the organization of the team, with every player, and with every sector. Sometimes, the defensive line pays the price for something the forwards don’t do, for example. We play in a 4-4-2 tactic, and that’s a system everyone needs to work on, otherwise the defensive line will have a hard time. The defensive process is a compromise every player must take, realising that there are moments when we apply pressure up in the field, and other moments when we do it low. We had moments when we gave some initiative to the opponent, but in zones where we felt comfortable. Today, we defended well as a team. I was forced to change things as Pepe wasn’t feeling well, form a previous injury. Corona, after that collision, couldn’t play in the second-half either, but, when the players are connected, they give a good response.”

Pepe and Tecatito Corona replaced
“Pepe felt some pain on his leg, and couldn’t stay on, and it was the same with Corona, who couldn’t see well after that collision. We’re really not sure if they will be going to Italy with us, especially Pepe, as Corona’s issue is related to a trauma on his head.”