In the first game of the year at Estádio do Dragão, FC Porto beat Benfica (1-0) and secured their place in the semifinals of the Portuguese Cup. In the aftermath of “a very complicated game with a lot of quality,” Francesco Farioli said he was “happy with the result” and with the performance of a group that “controlled the Classic,” “knew how to suffer,” put in “a great performance,” and showed that “FC Porto's DNA was always on the field.”  

Special week
“It was a special week for several reasons, from the fantastic days we spent in the Algarve, which were reflected today on the pitch in a very complicated game of high quality. I'm happy. Winning a game like today's is always special because of the connection we create with the fans. I'm happy with the result, now we have to calm down, because on Sunday we have another important game against Vitória SC.”

Two distinct classics
“We expected a game like this, with very different moments. The first half was very well played, we controlled the game and even deserved to score a second goal, but in the second half we suffered more and defended well. They had a good chance, but it's normal to concede chances to a team of this level. Still, it was a very positive game, the players all did well, and the atmosphere was fantastic. FC Porto's DNA was on the field. I am very grateful for the support of the fans.”

Set pieces
“They are important. Before the goal, we had two chances from corners. We also had chances from open play, especially in the first half. In the second half, the game turned around, and we knew how to suffer and respected an opponent who managed to cause us difficulties. We played a great game, and I am happy with the result.”

Thiago Silva
“Thiago returned in excellent physical shape. He played several games in Brazil and came on very well, connected with the team, was good defensively, and helped with his leadership, confidence, and calmness. We are very happy and will continue to need him because Bednarek has some physical issues.”

Statements by José Mourinho
“I don't think Benfica was the better team. I usually agree with José Mourinho's words, but this time I don't. We deserved to win. Benfica had some good chances and we were under some pressure, but I would say that overall FC Porto deserved to win.”

Contract renewal
“They are two different things. The contract renewal is something that is due to the work done previously, but now we are looking to the future together with the desire to work as a team, and today's victory leaves us with an excellent feeling. It was a great game and the stadium was full.”

Championship and Cup
“They are two different competitions. We won a game for the Cup, but the League is a different competition. We have to take advantage of what we did well and maintain the feeling we managed to bring to the game. FC Porto's DNA was present. Everyone will remember this game, in which the stadium celebrated together. This is the spirit we want to implement and maintain. These good feelings will be very important in the second half of the championship, with very important games ahead.”

Bednarek
“We don't know the severity of the injury. We will have to assess it tomorrow. He felt pain in his hamstrings, we don't know if it's muscular, we will have to assess it."

Blue and white family
“There is this feeling of unity that represents very well what the FC Porto family is all about. Tonight, all the ingredients were there.”

The “Monster” makes his debut
“When you have a player of this calibre, with so much experience and leadership skills, you just need to be clear in your approach and tell him what you expect from him. Thiago Silva didn't need much time to build the right connection with the squad. He is a great professional and has helped us a lot with his charisma and quality. It was fantastic to see a performance of this level so soon after his arrival.”

Martim Fernandes
“It's not the first time we've had a player on the field with a broken bone. I heard it has happened in the past, and today Martim played 75 minutes with a broken nose. He played a great game, with a lot of quality and confidence with the ball, and he was very good defensively and offensively. I'm very happy with his performance. We'll see how his nose is. It's part of football. Let's hope he recovers quickly.”

A flying start
“The training camp in the Algarve was very special for several reasons, from the quality of the work to the intensity, commitment, and communion with the families. It helped us create a feeling that is very rare in football. We worked hard, but when we looked around, we knew exactly who we were doing it for. Today, that was reflected on the field. The players showed great attitude, desire, and commitment. We made several plays that were celebrated as if we had scored a goal. This says a lot about the spirit in the locker room and the increasingly strong connection we have with the fans.”

Porto Sentido
“Ending the game with this atmosphere is something that doesn't happen every day. We had to enjoy it for a few minutes.”

With eyes on Vitória SC
“Our preparation for the game in Guimarães has already begun. Some players have already started working on the pitch and in the gym to compensate. Our work must continue.”

The best defence in the country?
“The numbers say yes, but we can’t celebrate, we have to keep it up. It’s important not to concede goals, because that brings us closer to winning games. In four days, we’ll face a team that’s having a great run, that knocked us out of the League Cup and ended up winning the trophy. We have to be mentally and physically prepared for another big challenge.”

Knowing how to suffer
“We had good moments when we could have turned interesting moves into goals, but we didn't manage to do so, and that put us in a more stressful position. Even so, the players knew how to manage it, proving that they know how to suffer and that they have great spirit.”

José Mourinho
“I have said many times that Mourinho is one of my role models. He changed football, not only by winning games, but also through his mentality and approach. My generation learned a lot from him. Tonight we put some of those lessons into practice on the pitch, but we also played good football. Some things come with hard work.”

Polish duo
“They are two great players and athletes. They are very motivated. It took Bednarek 15 minutes to decide he wanted to come to FC Porto. Kiwior was also very enthusiastic, turning down several offers to be here, which shows his desire to play for this club. The fact that they play together in the national team makes things much easier, and now they will have to take on the role of older brothers to Oskar Pietuszewski, a young talent who needs to work hard. The level of competition is high, the first few days have been positive, but there is still a lot of work to be done. We are giving him everything he needs to get ready and help the team.” 

Kiwior on the left
“I'm not surprised. I already knew he was a great player. When Francisco Moura got injured, I asked him about the possibility of playing on the left, and he showed himself willing to help the team in any role. This is the mentality I want from everyone. He played a great game, with a lot of quality, confidence, elegance, and physicality. We'll see what happens on Sunday. He's a top player.”

Pablo Rosario
“I don't know if this is the best moment of his career, because he's had several good moments, but he's a player who plays for the team. Sometimes he's underrated because he doesn't draw much attention, but all the coaches who have worked with him are happy to have such an intelligent player with so much quality. I'm happy he helped us in two positions today.”

Alan Varela
“He made a great entrance. He helped us maintain intensity, gain ground on the field, and stay consistent in the final minutes.”

Samu
“Samu's progress has been remarkable. At the start of the season, I heard comments about him not being a player who fit my style of play, but I love having players like him. Samu has everything, despite being young and still having a lot of room for improvement. In recent days, I've even been joking with him and telling him he looks like Francesco Totti, because he's improving his first touch and making some passes that remind me of the Italian legend. Being a striker and having this ability makes him unique. The credit goes entirely to him for being so open to learning the little things. He has been doing the work that the under-13s usually do. At the end of training, he is always motivated to work with André Castro and Lucho González. There is still a lot to improve, but he is on track to become one of the five best strikers in the world.”