Tonel: Sporting vs FC Porto will be a tactical, 50-50 derby | OneFootball

The former defender, who represented both clubs, rejects the idea that the derby will be decided by emotion and instead points to a duel marked by the organization of both teams, particularly the Porto side.

“These are two very organized teams from a tactical point of view, especially FC Porto, which defends very well and likes to control and sometimes doesn't mind not dominating,” he stated in a statement to the Lusa agency.

Sporting hosts FC Porto on Tuesday at 20:45 at the José Alvalade Stadium, in the first leg of the semi-finals; the second leg is scheduled for the Estádio do Dragão, on a date to be announced.

Tonel observes that FC Porto's matches against similarly leveled opponents have been balanced and with few goals, and he admits that this pattern may repeat in this first leg of the Portuguese Cup.

“I foresee another very rigid, very tactical game with few goals,” said the former center-back, who completed the final part of his training at FC Porto and later in his career represented Sporting for five seasons.

The former international also highlighted the defensive solidity of the 'dragons', emphasizing the team's ability to lower the block and wait for the right moment to act.

“It is a very strong team in defensive organization, which doesn't mind defending in a 5-4-1, in a medium or low block, and concedes very few goals,” he explained, adding that FC Porto is also “very strong in offensive set-pieces.”

Regarding Sporting, Tonel considered that the team is in a positive phase and has offensive resources capable of deciding the match.

“Sporting is becoming more solid and has a lot of quality up front. Suárez, Trincão, and Geny Catamo are players who, at any moment, can help decide a game,” he emphasized, admitting that Pedro Gonçalves, despite not being in the best physical condition, can also become decisive.

Comparing with the derbies he experienced as a player, the former defender believes that today's football is more controlled and organized.

“Today the game is more controlled than in the past. The first intention of the teams is not to concede goals, because whoever doesn't concede is always closer to winning,” he stated.

Without pointing to any favoritism, the former player believes that the tie between 'lions' and 'dragons' will be marked by balance.

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