FC Porto is experiencing a golden phase, dominating the league table with an almost perfect record. Under the leadership of coach Francesco Farioli, the blue and white team finished the first half of the league with an impressive 16 victories and just one draw. Nonetheless, the only blemish on this unbeaten run left fans lamenting. A shot that hit the crossbar by Rodrigo Mora in the dying moments of the game, and a supposed penalty not awarded for a foul by António Silva on Deniz Gul, were moments that could have changed the team’s fortunes.
Having conceded only four goals so far, Porto demonstrates a defensive solidity that is admirable, not only in Portugal but worldwide. The team’s confidence grows with each matchday, and fans are beginning to believe more and more in the reclamation of the national championship title. It is important to keep in mind that, in the current situation, only a true catastrophe could divert the Dragon trophy to the showcases of Sporting or Benfica.
Looking back at last season, when Farioli saw his Ajax crumble in the final stretch of the Dutch league, the pressure on the coach is palpable. With five matchdays to go, Ajax had a nine-point lead over PSV, but an unexpected loss of 10 points in four games meant that the team entered the final matchday behind their rival. This dip in form fuels the hope of adversaries, who need to transcend their current performance to challenge Porto, a feat that proves to be complicated.
Benfica, on the other hand, is still trying to find a consistency that eludes them, despite José Mourinho’s attempts to justify the failures. Sporting, however, faces a dilemma that borders on the absurd, with injuries plaguing the team in an alarming manner. Coach Rui Borges did not hesitate to express his discontent after the elimination from the League Cup, losing crucial players like Quaresma and Ioannidis. What is happening to the lions is not just a coincidence; it is starting to look like a true case study.
It is hard to ignore that, last season, Sporting faced a similar scenario, filled with injuries that shook the team. Rui Borges is absolutely right: the numerous injuries affecting the team deserve a thorough analysis. The question that arises is: what could be failing in the preparation or recovery of the athletes? Experts in the field should be called in to investigate this phenomenon.
Some may see this as mere bad luck, but what Rui Borges achieved at Alvalade, by turning to young talents from the B team — some of whom do not even reside in Alcochete — and with only one significant reinforcement, Rui Silva, to close the season with a double, was a true miracle. Miracles are rare and do not usually repeat themselves, leaving the question hanging about what might happen to this team that seems to be on the brink of an identity crisis. The season is still far from over, but the pressure is only set to increase.
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
