Hélton: “Unforgettable derby where we were crowned champions” | OneFootball

Helton especially highlights the circumstances in which he played that match, despite not being in the best physical condition, in a game that would go on to mark the recent history of the Porto club.

“When I think about that day, I remember that I wasn’t even fit to play. After talking to the doctor and the coach – who today is our president – I asked to play because I really wanted to be there. I managed to play that game, with some ‘voltarenes’ in my body, and we became champions,” he said, referring to André Villas-Boas, FC Porto’s coach at the time and the club’s current president.

The former Brazilian international also recalls the atmosphere in the opponent’s stadium and the emotional intensity of the moment when the title was confirmed.

“The atmosphere is what every high-performance athlete wants to experience: pressure, playing at the opponent’s home, with the possibility of becoming champion. It’s wonderful. In the end, it was a mix of emotions, that feeling of a job well done,” he recalled.

For Helton, winning a championship at the home of the biggest rival is a rare episode and has a strong impact on any player’s career.

“When we look back, without a doubt, it’s one of the greatest moments that marked my career,” he admitted.

Just days away from another Benfica-FC Porto match, the former goalkeeper emphasizes that this classic still holds a prominent place in Portuguese football.

“When a classic like this comes around, we know that it is, without a doubt, one of the most important games of the season, because of the rivalry between the teams,” he stressed.

Helton admits that the teams’ positions in the standings can increase the responsibility of the match, but without changing the essence of the duel.

“When a classic comes, the standings matter in terms of commitment and responsibility, but that doesn’t bring peace of mind to the team in front. Those coming from behind are always trying to close the gap,” he explained.

Even so, he doesn’t believe that a single game is enough to decide the national champion.

“There is a difference between the teams, like first and third place, but that doesn’t mean the championship will be decided now. The most important thing for those in front is to stay ahead and increase the distance from those closest behind,” he analyzed.

With more than a decade playing classics in goal for FC Porto, Helton guarantees that the pressure in these encounters is constant, regardless of the stadium.

“At FC Porto, the pressure is constant. Whether at Estádio da Luz, Alvalade, or any other stadium, it’s always there,” he said.

As captain for several seasons, he also tried to convey to the group the idea of collective responsibility in matches of this magnitude.

“The responsibility isn’t just for the one wearing the armband. It’s for the whole group. Everyone has to take on that commitment,” he concluded.

FC Porto, leaders with 65 points, travel this Sunday at 18:00 to Estádio da Luz to face Benfica, third with 58 points, in the 25th round of the Primeira Liga. The match will be refereed by João Pinheiro, from the Braga Association.

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