Borja Sainz ends 236-day drought, seals FC Porto win at Rio Ave | OneFootball

Almost eight months after scoring twice in Alverca in last season’s 3-0 win — a campaign that ended with the Blues and Whites winning the title — Borja Sainz scored again for FC Porto. The winger thus ended a 236-day goal drought.

Francesco Farioli brought him on in the 66th minute to replace William Gomes, and the Spaniard wrapped up the result against Rio Ave, at the Arcos, with Porto’s second goal (2-0) in the closing stages of the match. The celebration had a special dedication.

After a particularly difficult year on a personal level, marked by his mother’s death in February, the winger finally scored in 2026. His impact off the bench was very positive, he pleased the Italian coach, and it could earn him his first start of the season. Sainz came on as a substitute in the Super Cup and in the first two league rounds. In the third round, FC Porto host Arouca, the team they share top spot with, along with Marítimo.

Borja continued to be a regular option for Farioli even after the arrival of young Oskar Pietuszewski in the winter transfer window, but he ended up losing influence during the second half of 2025/26.

After scoring seven goals between August and December, the former Norwich forward, signed the previous summer from the Championship club for €13.3 million, plus another €2 million dependent on performance-related targets, suffered a sharp drop in form, especially in attacking terms. Between the turn of the year and the end of last season, he managed only three assists in 22 matches.

The arrival of the young Pole for the same position, on the left side of Porto’s attack, further reduced the space available to the 25-year-old Spaniard. Pietuszewski made an immediate impact on the team with performances of a very high level.

A comparison of the numbers from the two halves of the season, considering only league matches, shows that Sainz played almost twice as many minutes up to matchday 17: 1039, compared with 561 between rounds 18 and 34.

Considered an important piece for Farioli because of the qualities he offers — namely his pressing ability and commitment off the ball, traits that suit the Porto coach’s model — Borja strengthened his case to return to the starting line-up at the Dragão. Especially since Pietuszewski remains sidelined through injury.

The wide positions have been occupied by the Brazilians Pepê and William, but FC Porto could unveil changes against Arouca, coached by Vasco Seabra. The visiting side come into the match yet to concede and having scored five goals.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.