After a defeat and a tie in the first two matches, FC Porto won in the league stage of the Europa League, beating Hoffenheim, 2-0, at Estádio do Dragão, on Thursday. Vítor Bruno admitted that “the first half was not exactly what we had planned” and that there was “an excessive concern to control the opposing midfield”, but, “more important than the exhibition, was the result”. “In this format, at the slightest failure, we and any team are left behind. It is a format that requires always walking close to perfection and very focused on what we want, knowing that each game is an opportunity to win”, the coach concluded.

A resume of the game
“The first half was not exactly what we had planned, we wanted to have as much ball as possible, make the opponent run and chase us, but we had difficulties in controlling the game. In the final part of the first half, we did better, but I think, in general, it was always a split game. We scored at the end of the first half and during the break we tried to correct some things for the second, but we had an excessive concern in controlling the opposing midfield, which can also be our fault for the message we passed. Overall, I was pleased with the attitude of the players and their commitment. More important than the performance, was the result. The result was better than the performance, but what mattered was to win.”

2-0 was essential
“With the second goal, the team stabilized, felt more comfortable and, perhaps, more relieved. The goals conceded in previous Europa League matches can occasionally be stuck in the minds of players, who sometimes want secure our goal too much, which causes us to go too low. The truth is that, in the middle of all this, the opponent only had one shot on goal throughout the game. After the 2-0, I felt the team was calmer and more serene. It was a very important victory.”

Changes made during the game
“The issue of the five substitutions turns out to be a false issue. It is not because there is a lack of quality, but sometimes we feel the need to keep everything in place and not change. Gonçalo got in very well and so did Danny, despite having had little time to play, less than they deserved. What they gave me in five minutes made me very satisfied, as they went in committed to the fight. The moment the team felt they had to save a precious advantage, the team started to protect itself.”

Three important points in the European fight
“I stand by what I said earlier. For me, there are no games of life or death, there may be some with a greater degree of importance than others, but at FC Porto all games are important. Here, the habit of winning has to be constant and the team has to commit to the games and think of winning, winning and winning.”

The new Europa League format
“No one can take anything for granted. In this format, at the slightest failure, we and any team are left behind. It is a format that requires always walking close to perfection and very focused on what we want, knowing that each game is an opportunity to win.”