Seven of FC Porto's 15 goals come from set pieces | OneFootball

The first derby of the league is approaching, and everything points to a tightly balanced match, the kind where the small details can make all the difference. Among the various aspects in focus, FC Porto’s efficiency from set pieces stands out, one of the main characteristics of Francesco Farioli’s team, something that already carried over from last season. Of the 15 goals scored by Porto in the league, almost half have come from corners, free-kicks or penalties, with most of them having a direct impact on the points collected.

“These are situations that can change the dynamics of the game and have a huge impact. All of this is the result of the work we do during the week. It is a tool we have been using since last season and one to which we devote many hours in training. The players really believe in what they do and, with time, quality and belief, things eventually happen. This is part of the game; it is very important to stay switched on both offensively and defensively,” stressed Francesco Farioli after the match against Casa Pia, in which three of the Dragons’ four goals came from set-piece situations.

An analysis of the results confirms the weight of that strategy. The victories over Alverca, Moreirense and Casa Pia were shaped by set routines, which means that six of the 18 points won by FC Porto came directly from that efficiency. Without those plays, all three matches would have ended in draws.

Set pieces have therefore become a trademark of the national champions and an additional solution for breaking down tight matches or deciding tactically difficult duels. They could therefore play an important role in Sunday’s derby against Benfica. Even so, it is curious to note that none of the goals scored against the Eagles last season came in that way.

The specific work carried out at Olival, with Lino Godinho and Lucho González taking on a significant part of the preparation, has allowed FC Porto to stand out in this area. After six matchdays, the team has three goals from corners, another three from penalties and one following an indirect free-kick. Last season, the Dragons scored 15 times from corners — more than in the previous three seasons combined — and also added another seven goals from penalties.

The campaign began with two penalties converted against Alverca on the opening matchday. That was followed by the first goal from a corner, in Vila do Conde, with Gabri setting up Nehuén Pérez. So far, only the wins over Arouca and Académico de Viseu have not included any set-piece goals. Against Moreirense, William Gomes delivered a wide free-kick straight onto Bednarek’s head. Then, in Rio Maior, André Silva and Kiwior scored from corners, while the third goal came from the penalty spot.

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