The continuation of the match against CD Nacional in Choupana, for matchday 17 round of the league and the last fixture of the first turn of the season, didn't go as planned for FC Porto. After the 2-0 defeat, Vítor Bruno described “a completely bad start” and “a disastrous first half” during which the home team was “more decisive and stronger in duels”. However, the coach stressed, “we are one point behind the lead, with 17 matches to go, and we only depend on ourselves to become champions.”

A resume of the match
“It was a disastrous first half, a completely bad start. Nacional took the lead in the first play and later scored from a set piece. They were more decisive and stronger in the duels, and we struggled to get forward. The second half, however, was different. We had three or four chances to score, but missed. We tried, but without clarity or composure, and we could have fought for the result until the end had we been more effective. Based on their first half, Nacional deserved the win. We didn’t adapt to their competitive attitude in the first half.”

The strategy and offensive ineffectiveness
“We always had an alternative plan, realising that whoever left the lineup couldn’t be in the match sheet. We sent in players from the bench, made structural changes to the team in the second half, and created three or four clear goal opportunities. They were eager for the victory in the first half, and we didn’t want it as much as they did.”

Missed chance to take the lead
“We can speculate all we want, but the truth is that we didn’t deliver the response we needed to give, the response that a team aiming to become champions needs to give to reach the lead. We are one point behind the leaders, with 17 games remaining, and our fate is still in our hands. We need to take steps forward in terms of mentality, and that has to be seen as actions on the pitch. We were too soft in the first half.”

The reaction of the fans
“It’s understandable – they want to win just as much as we do, and they feel frustrated that we didn’t reach the lead. They expressed themselves as they felt necessary, and we have to accept their frustration. FC Porto is a winning club, born to win, so it’s natural for them to show that frustration.”

Alan Varela’s absence
“He’ll be out for at least a week.”