On the first opportunity, FC Porto won at home in the new calendar year. Facing SC Braga, at Estádio do Dragão, the blue and whites won 2-0 and increased the distance in the league table to the team from Minho to five points. Sérgio Conceição praised the “very competent game” of the players, explained that “the basis for the victory was the defensive solidity” and revealed the “ambition” to “win the championship, reach the final of the Portuguese Cup to try to win it, and reach the quarter finals of the Champions League”.

Strong on both sides of the pitch
"The basis for the victory was the defensive solidity, we knew SC Braga was strong in the offensive process and that they have several ways to get a lot of people upfront. I don't remember true goal situations from them, and we could have reached the break winning by more. I told the players to play as if the game were 0-0, focused and determined, respecting SC Braga as a team that plays in the Champions League and always looking at their goal. We played a very competent game today.”

Evanilson's evolution
“He doesn't play alone, he plays with ten more men. With and without the ball, he gives us a lot because he is able to connect the game like no one else and has great technical ability. He reads the game uniquely, as does Pepê, and with four players in the middle without a target man, and two wingers like Galeno and Francisco, the team has won a lot. We looked at SC Braga, at their ability, and it was a good football game between two excellent teams.”

The key to success
“We are working on what the team is, which is made of players with different moments and cycles during the season. At this stage, the team that started the match and those who went in during the game, has been proving itself in the dynamics we want to implement. We have been working in the same way for many years, always with seriousness and determination, looking at the problems game after game, and the work during the week is essential. The team has been solid at all times and this is important for the second turn of the season. We are here to fight and we are looking for our objective, which is to win this championship, reach the final of the Portuguese Cup to try to win it and reach the quarter finals of the Champions League. That's our ambition at this club.”