FC Porto went to Estádio da Luz and tied with Benfica (2-2). Francesco Farioli refretted the “lack of effectiveness” in “closing the game”: “There were five or six situations where we should have done so, but we didn't score and we paid the price.” “It's a shame we didn't get the three points, but it's important to change our mindset and start thinking about the next game,” said the Italian coach in the aftermath of a classic that was “very clear in terms of dynamics.” 

Wasted chances
“It was a very clear game in terms of dynamics. We came here to win. We got off to a very strong start and had a good first half, but we weren't effective enough to close out the game. There were five or six situations where we should have done so, but we didn't score and we paid the price.”

Changing the mindset
“They were two very different goals. The first came from a fantastic play and the second from a counterattack. They were two different moments. We controlled the game and dominated possession in the first half, but in the second half we lacked effectiveness in front of goal. That kept the opposition in the game and, with the quality they have, we paid the price. That's the way it is. It's a shame we didn't get the three points, but it's very important to change our mindset and start thinking about the next game.”

90 minutes summarized
“The first half was very good. We dominated the game with the ball and knew how to manage all situations. Our approach was clear, but a lack of effectiveness prevented us from achieving the result we wanted.”

Focus on youth
“We fielded a very young team, with an average age of around 23, and the goals were scored by players from the next generation, born in 2006 and 2008. There are many positives to take away from this. Unfortunately, we didn't get the result we wanted, but we have to prepare for the trip to Stuttgart.”

A worthy opponent
“Our performance was very positive. We mustn’t forget that just a few weeks ago, Benfica scored four goals against Real Madrid, and coming here and managing to go into halftime 2-0 up is remarkable, especially against a team that hasn’t lost in the league yet. We were close to handing them their first defeat and, of course, we are disappointed that we didn't get that result, especially because we had more than enough chances to do so."

The last play of the game
“I've seen the footage now and, in my opinion, the referee made the right decision.”

Moving forward
“It's sad to lose points in the final minutes, but even if we had won, our work wouldn't be done. There are still 27 points to play for in a very competitive league against opponents who are also motivated to get the best results. We're taking it step by step, game by game, with the right focus. We can't underestimate the fact that we're unbeaten in all the league classics. We're moving on and now our focus is on the game in Stuttgart.”

José Mourinho's sending off
“I didn't really understand what happened, mainly because I was disappointed with the goal we conceded, so I didn't see what happened.”

The goals conceded
“Nobody wants to concede goals. We defended well, but with their quality it's normal to concede something. Lukebakio is a great player, with a big impact, and he came on very well, as did Ivanovic. They brought the right energy, and that made us suffer. We weren't able to hold on to the result, but sometimes we have to accept the verdict of the game, and today was one of those examples.”

Everything still to play for
“There are still 27 points up for grabs and anything can happen. Winning today's game was the ideal scenario, but we have to take responsibility. We had several chances to close out the game and we didn't score. That's football: you miss your chance, you pay the price. The first half was very good, the combinations for the first goal were very well executed, and it's not easy to do this against an opponent who scored four goals against Real Madrid just a few weeks ago. We have to respect our opponents. It wasn't the result we wanted, but we have to accept it and move on.”

Changes at halftime
“Pepê's substitution was necessary, not only because of the yellow card, but also for physical management. Just a few days ago, he played more than 100 minutes in different positions and came into today's game at his limit. Besides, when William comes on, he usually brings energy and plays very well. The decision to take Gabri Veiga off was related to the yellow card, because in a game like this, there could be a need for an intervention that would lead to a yellow card. I wanted to finish the game with 11 players, which is why I made those substitutions at half time.”