Stats back Farioli's comments on poor showing against Famalicão | OneFootball

FC Porto’s own coach acknowledged it: the Dragons fell short of their “usual standards” of competitiveness against Famalicão, and they also lacked the necessary “energy” this Saturday in a 2-2 draw.

Farioli’s reading from the bench is backed up by the numbers. Even at the Estádio do Dragão, FC Porto won far fewer duels than Famalicão, who are fifth in the table.

According to Sofascore, out of 76 contested balls, Famalicão won 47, compared to FC Porto’s 29. The superiority was mainly on the ground, since the Dragons did better in aerial duels.

In tackles, the difference is even more striking. Famalicão made 22 and FC Porto only 6. These figures become even more relevant given the profile of the Porto side, built for physical, intense football.

FC Porto also lost out in chance creation… but were more efficient

Although possession was quite balanced – FC Porto with 51 percent and Famalicão with the remaining 49 – the creation of goalscoring chances once again clearly tilted toward the team from Famalicão.

The match ended 2-2, but in the expected goals stats, which combine the quantity and quality of shots, Hugo Oliveira’s team had the edge with 1.77 compared to Porto’s 0.42. It was Farioli’s side’s worst record in league matches.

In big chances, Famalicão were unequivocally superior. They were credited with three compared to the Dragons’ zero. What does this mean? That FC Porto managed to be efficient and score two goals, even though their chances were not, a priori, obvious scoring opportunities.

Famalicão had more shots (8-11) and forced Diogo Costa into four saves, while Lazar Carevic made just one. Curiously, FC Porto recorded more touches in the opposition box (30-21).

These are numbers that help put into context a match that, above all, was full of drama. Two goals close to the final whistle stirred up the night and the title race, since if Sporting beat Tondela in their game in hand, they will move to just two points behind the Dragons.

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