FC Porto won the 22nd consecutive game in the Portuguese Cup and qualified for the 4th round after beating Sintrense (3-0) at Estádio José Gomes, in Amadora, on Sunday. After the match, Vítor Bruno rejoiced with the fact that the players “accepted the challenge of being serious and looking at their opponent with the utmost respect”, something that made the coach “very happy”. "Now we have to attack the next few days to prepare well for Thursday's game", coach Vítor Bruno added, alluding to the home match against Hoffenheim for the Europa League (Thursday, 20h00).

A resume of the game
“It was important for the players to accept the challenge of being serious and looking at their opponent with the utmost respect. The players were very serious and this is what makes me proud, as we had quality moments in front of an opponent who stayed behind most of the times. Now we have to attack the next few days to prepare well for Thursday's game.”

The 22nd consecutive victory in the Portuguese Cup
“It was a normal day. What I also passed on to the players was that they needed to respect those who came to Reboleira and who travelled so many kilometres to be here. We had to be serious and we took the game where we wanted, but in this house, whether in competition or not, the habits and the addiction to win must always be there. Players know that every challenge is a time to take their stand, but we know that not everything is perfect and that there are things we have to grow into. There were indicators that made me very happy and the players gave a strong response.”

The debut of Tiago Djaló
"The goal was good for him and for his family, you could see he was excited. It is important that we give this feedback to the player and he responds with attitude on the pitch. He did his job, defending and attacking. It was his first competitive moment and there will be more in the future.”

Iván Jaime and Gonçalo Borges in the starting team
“There are cycles, there are times when players have to understand what they have to do to behave according to what we want, but in others it is the coach's fault, we also have flaws and we make mistakes. But they try to do their best and are always committed to what we ask of them. Today they appeared at a good level, Gonçalo Borges assisted and Iván Jaime scored, and these are signs that make me happy. I know what they can all give us.”

Next is Hoffenheim for the Europa League
“All games are decisive, there is no room for anything other than winning at this house, but we really like this challenge and we love to win. Thursday is an important game, but it's not a game of life and death. With the seriousness we had today, we are always closer to winning.”