Sent in by Sérgio Conceição from the start, André Franco helped FC Porto defeat Leixões (2-1), at Estádio do Dragão, in matchday three of Group D of the League Cup. Because “Portuguese teams work better and better”, the midfielder assured that the blue and whites were already expecting “a complicated game”, but it was important to give an answer after the defeat in the classic against Sporting. “I believe that, going forward, FC Porto will be much stronger”, the number 20 added. Francisco Conceição, the scorer of the first goal of the game, believes that the Dragons had the necessary patience to reach victory.

André Franco
“It was a complicated game, but we already knew it was going to be like this, because Portuguese teams work better and better. It was a good game from the whole team, our dedication was absolute. Things can go well or badly, but our dedication was there. After a defeat, it's always important to win. After the defeat at Alvalade, we had to make a stand. I believe that, going forward, FC Porto will be much stronger. Thank you to the 30,000 fans who were at Estádio do Dragão supporting us. I take this opportunity to wish a Merry Christmas to the entire blue and white family, with health and joy.”

Francisco Conceição
“It was a complicated victory, but we were serious from the start. After the play when Leixões scored, the game became more complicated. With the sending-off, they lowered their lines even more, but we were patient and managed to reach the second goal. FC Porto fights to win every game and today couldn’t be any different. I scored a goal, but I could have scored more.”