Porto v Arouca: leaders' title push meets improving mid-table side | OneFootball

Porto host Arouca in Liga Portugal on Friday, 27 February 2026 at Estádio Do Dragão, with the leaders aiming to tighten their grip on top spot while the visitors look to build momentum towards the top half.

Porto have dominated this fixture, winning 10 of the past 12 meetings and beating Arouca 4-0 away in September. That record underpins a night where the table-toppers seek to keep control of the title race.

Porto have won three of their last five league matches, are unbeaten at home in the league and have conceded just seven goals across 23 games with 17 clean sheets. Arouca have three wins in five, including 3-0 victories over Rio Ave and Nacional, to climb into mid-table.

With 56% average possession and 39 of their 44 league goals coming from inside the box, Porto may look to pin the visitors back and work high-value chances. Arouca have scored nine headers and could try to profit from deliveries, but 49 goals conceded and only five clean sheets suggest a back line that can be opened up.

Samu Aghehowa leads Porto with 13 league goals, supported by Alberto Costa and Gabri Veiga, who have combined for 11 assists. For Arouca, Alfonso Trezza Hernandez has eight league goals, with Nais Djouahra and Barbero on five each.

Porto sit on 62 points, four clear of Sporting CP. A win would strengthen their position at the summit. Arouca are 10th on 26 points and, with a positive result, could close in on the top half and put further space between themselves and the relegation fight.