Stats back Farioli's comments on poor display against Famalicão | OneFootball

FC Porto’s own coach admitted it: the Dragons fell short of their “usual standards” of competitiveness against Famalicão, and also lacked the necessary “energy” this Saturday, in a 2-2 draw.

Farioli’s reading from the bench is backed up by the numbers. Even at the Dragão Stadium, FC Porto won far fewer duels than Famalicão, who are fifth in the table.

According to Sofascore, in the 76 contested balls, Famalicão won 47, compared to FC Porto’s 29. Their superiority was mainly on the ground, as the Dragons were better in aerial duels.

In tackles, the gap is even more striking. Famalicão made 22, while FC Porto managed only 6. These figures become even more relevant given the profile of the Porto side, built for a physical and intense style of football.

FC Porto also lost out in chance creation… but were more clinical

Although possession was quite balanced – FC Porto had 51 percent and Famalicão the remaining 49 – the creation of goal-scoring chances once again clearly favored the team from Famalicão.

The match ended 2-2, but in the expected goals statistics, which combine the quantity and quality of shots, Hugo Oliveira’s side had the edge with 1.77 against Porto’s 0.42. It was Farioli’s team’s worst record in league matches.

In big chances, Famalicão were unquestionably superior. They were credited with three compared to the Dragons’ zero. What does this mean? That FC Porto managed to be clinical and score twice, even though their goal-scoring opportunities were not, a priori, obvious.

Famalicão had more shots (8-11) and forced Diogo Costa into four saves, while Lazar Carevic made only one. Interestingly, FC Porto recorded more touches in the opposition box (30-21).

These are numbers that help put into better context a match that, above all, was full of drama. Two goals near the final whistle lit up the night and the title race, because if Sporting beat Tondela in their game in hand, they will move to just two points behind the Dragons.

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