FC Porto return after break to defend league top spot | OneFootball

The victory achieved in the previous round at Alvalade, by 2-1, and the dominant way it was achieved show that the 'dragons' are prepared to play a more proactive role in the title chase, unlike what happened in the last two seasons.

The team led by Italian Francesco Farioli has won all four games played in the championship and it seems unlikely that Nacional, who are in ninth place, have the arguments to counter the favorite status, despite not having lost away from home yet.

The match is shrouded in controversy before the kick-off, as the Madeirans even threatened not to travel, citing difficulties in finding a "viable travel alternative and consistent with a professional team".

The League of Clubs informed that it has unlocked solutions for Nacional to travel on Friday, keeping the date and time (18:00) of the match with FC Porto unchanged, which should be deprived of the authors of the two goals against Sporting — the forwards Luuk de Jong and William Gomes – due to injury.

The 'dragons' may line up level on points with Benfica, since the club from Luz, fourth in the standings three points behind (with one game in hand, against Rio Ave, from the first round), hosts Santa Clara, who are in 10th position, the day before.

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