FC Porto held to a draw but keep an edge that puts rivals under pressure | OneFootball

For the first time under Farioli's command, FC Porto finished a match without winning. The goalless draw against Benfica is, however, seen at Dragão as an acceptable result, as it maintains their solitary lead – three points ahead of Sporting and four ahead of the "encarnados" (Benfica). This margin strengthens the confidence of the Italian coach and his squad, while simultaneously increasing the pressure on the Lisbon rivals, who face each other at the beginning of December, meaning Porto's advantage could increase by the end of the first round. That is, at least, the goal of the current leaders of the Betclic League.

This points cushion was evident in last Sunday's classic, visible through the more restrained attitude that Farioli's players adopted in the final phase of the match. The impression remained on the bench, especially when the coach chose to bring on Pablo Rosario in place of Gabri Veiga instead of resorting to Rodrigo Mora, the more usual alternative to replace the Spanish midfielder.

Although the plan was, naturally, to seek victory, the unfolding of the game and the provisional advantage in the standings dictated a strategy of lower risk, preserving the differences among the top three. In short, these first points dropped in the championship do not shake the confidence prevailing at Dragão, with players, coaching staff, and management convinced that the group will continue to respond in the best way to the challenges ahead.

It is certain that FC Porto enters the October international break in a better position than in the previous two seasons, while Sporting and Benfica are in the opposite situation. A sign that there are reasons for confidence.

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