Defensive solidity boosts FC Porto's title ambitions | OneFootball

After three official matches, FC Porto still have not conceded a single goal. Their defensive display contrasts with what happened in pre-season, when the team conceded in every game, albeit in a naturally different context: Hibernian (1-1), Birmingham (2-1), Penafiel (3-2), Gil Vicente (1-0, the only defeat), Aston Villa (2-1) and São João de Ver (2-1).

Diogo Costa’s return in goal, in the Super Cup match against Torreense, may have coincided with the start of this run, still a short one, but already close to the levels shown last season. In that campaign, defensive solidity was one of the main foundations of the title win: in the first ten matchdays, for example, the Dragons conceded only three goals.

Torreense and Alverca finished their respective matches with expected goals figures above one — 1.12 and 1.60, respectively. Even so, it was in Vila do Conde that FC Porto seemed to show their most consistent version in several aspects. Rio Ave were held to 0.57 expected goals and managed just one shot on target, stopped by a great save from Diogo Costa. The team from Torres Vedras managed four shots on target, while the Ribatejo side had five.

In addition to the captain, Bednarek, Kiwior and Zaidu started all three matches. The only change in the starting XI came at right-back, due to some physical issues: Alberto Costa played in Coimbra, Martim Fernandes faced Alverca, and Nehuén Pérez was chosen for the match the day before yesterday.

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