FC Porto is out of the Europa League, but the conviction of its captain, Diogo Costa, remains unshaken. Following their elimination on the ground of Nottingham Forest, with a narrow 1-0 result that followed a draw in the first leg, the goalkeeper did not hide his frustration but elevated the team’s posture and unity as pillars for the future.
On a dramatic night, marked by the early dismissal of Bednarek just eight minutes in, and two shots hitting the woodwork that could have changed the course of the tie, Diogo Costa took responsibility and spoke firmly in the mixed zone. “Above all, I have great pride in our team,” the Portuguese international told Sport TV, emphasizing that the work of recent months is the foundation for a new era at the club. “What we have built is very positive. I think we have the entire club involved in what is necessary, which is the Porto attitude.”
Even when down to ten men, on Forest’s ground, FC Porto demonstrated a strong and combative identity. “Even with one less, we played a great game,” highlighted Diogo Costa, emphasizing the character and determination that the group led by Francesco Farioli has displayed.
The feeling of injustice was palpable in the goalkeeper’s words, who recalled the missed opportunities both in England and at the Dragão, where the opponent ended up being more effective. “We could have resolved the game once again; it should have been settled in the home game, in the first leg, but we remain standing,” he stressed, rejecting any moral setback and showing an unbreakable fighting spirit.
Diogo Costa did not hold back in praising the brotherhood that exists within the club, highlighting the communion among players, coaching staff, employees, and fans. Even after the final whistle, the supporters remained in the stadium, unconditionally backing the team. “We are very determined to change the life of FC Porto and that is what we are focused on. Once again, it was proof: our unity, our attitude. I am extremely proud to be a Porto fan,” confessed the number 99 shirt, visibly emotional.
With the European elimination now behind them, the focus of FC Porto is entirely on domestic competitions. Diogo Costa has embraced the philosophy of “living for today,” quoting Thiago Silva to outline the path the club will follow until the end of the season. “Our mentality has always been game by game. Now we’ve set aside the Europa League and we are focused on winning the two titles, which is what we want and will work for,” he assured, emphasizing FC Porto’s ambition in the fight for the championship and the Taça de Portugal with the same intensity displayed in Europe.
The defeat at the City Ground does not diminish the determination of the dragons, who promise to return stronger and more focused than ever. Diogo Costa embodies this confidence and symbolizes a team that wants to rise again and regain dominance in Portuguese football. The new Porto era is just beginning — and it promises to be explosive.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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