FC Porto became the national champion after beating Benfica (1-0) on Saturday, at Estádio da Luz, for matchday 33 of the Portugal Bwin League. After confirming the 30th championship in the club’s history, Sérgio Conceição talked of the victory in the classic against Benfica and underlined that the blue and white team was stronger than all the others in the main national competition.

The resume of the match
“It was a typical end-of-season match, a competitive match, without great chances, even though we did have chances to score at the star of the first-half. There were too many fights and not enough mind. It was a fair victory, but, as for the title, we didn’t win it today, as we were the best team throughout the championship. The players were fantastic, we have a fantastic group and squad. Congratulations to the players, the entire structure and the fans, who were tireless. We’re going to celebrate now and then we’ll think about the matches left to play.”

Benfica’s disallowed goal and the winning goal
“We had a goal conceded in the last match, against Vizela, validated for zero centimetres. Whether it’s one or two centimetres, it’s offside. It was at the right moment that we scored our goal and I think we deserved it. We adjusted to Benfica’s changes and we were able to understand what the match was giving us, knowing that Galeno, Pepê and Mehdi are strong players in counter attacks.”

A man immune to partying
“I make more of a fuss on the bench, living the match, than celebrating, but I do feel a tremendous joy, especially for the players and also for the fans, who gave another clear presentation today of what FC Porto is all about. Their support is fantastic. There’s still the Portuguese Cup to play, which is a title we want, but we are very happy for having won this championship. I dedicate this title to my family and to my late parents.”

Five years as FC Porto coach
“The context I found here when I came from Nantes was one of many financial difficulties, especially in the first year. With hard work and good performances in Europe, we got rid of the financial fair-play restrictions, but this happened also because of my demand, to myself and to the staff that works with me, as I work with a coaching team of the highest level. I have several departments that work with me and they are an asset. I want to thank them. It has been a difficult and exhausting path. It is difficult to win titles at FC Porto because we have rivals with a lot of relevance and strength. I would be super happy if I had won five championships in five, but we know we have to give our maximum every day, with a lot of daily dedication to this cause.”

The future
“My future is to try to win the Portuguese Cup. My future is to work well during these two weeks and win the Portuguese Cup on the 22nd, because I’ve already had two big disappointments at Jamor and I hope the third time is the charm. I have a special affection for the Portuguese Cup and for that stadium. It would be a fantastic achievement to get the double twice in five years.”

Congratulations to the rivals
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our rivals. Sporting were a tough rival to beat and matches against Benfica are always very tough matches, but we have to praise the work of the players and their evolution during the season. We have many players from the training squads and we had one defeat in the championship, besides having broken the record of points in the League.”