FC Porto hosted and defeated OGC Nice (3-0) on Thursday at Estádio do Dragão in a match for the fifth matchday of the Europa League, bringing their total to 10 points. Alberto Costa was in the spotlight on the right side of Porto's defence and believes that the blue and whites managed to neutralise the French, “a strong team, especially in transitions”. “Today was an important step towards our goal of moving forward in this competition, but we have to maintain the same attitude in the three remaining games and win nine more points”, said the number 20.

Congratulations to the U17 world champions
“First of all, I want to congratulate our five teammates who were U17 world champions. I am sure that in the future they will help the FC Porto first team.”

Solid defence
“We knew that OGC Nice were a strong team, especially in transitions, and that we had to be careful about imbalances. We could have done better in one or two plays, but overall, I think we defended very well.”

The importance of Pablo Rosario
“The manager's message was well received, as was Pablo [Rosario]'s, who knows OGC Nice well. We were alert and managed to nullify them, with Pablo [Rosario] playing brilliantly on the pitch. He has leadership qualities.”

Changes in defence
“We're all prepared to play with each other, especially because we work together every day.”

The 10 points in the Europa League
“Today was an important step towards our goal of advancing in this competition, but we have to maintain the same attitude in the three remaining games and win another nine points.”

The dream of making the national team
“I'll do everything I can to be among those chosen for the 2026 World Cup, but the most important thing is to do everything right here and win every game here. Making the national team would be a bonus.”