“Villas-Boas reveals the truth about Rui Costa’s separation at Luz.”

André Villas-Boas, president of FC Porto, did not hold back in addressing the recent controversy surrounding his position in the stands during the classic match at the Luz. This Thursday, at the Municipal Chamber of Gaia, the coach was honored in a ceremony celebrating Mateus Mide, the young U-17 World Champion who shines in the colors of the dragons. However, it was during his statements to the media that Villas-Boas made it clear that the rivalry between the clubs goes beyond the pitch.

Regarding the recent analysis by José Mourinho, who referred to Benfica as the superior team in the last classic, Villas-Boas defended the spectacle: “That’s his interpretation; I have nothing to say. It was a difficult classic, well-contested and played in a magical atmosphere at the Dragão that dignified the spectacle, with excellent refereeing, which should be valued. It was the most-watched game of the year on free-to-air television, and that also marks the difference, the respect that these teams have for one another and the impact they have on national football.”

The issue that generated the most buzz was his separation from Rui Costa in the stands. Villas-Boas was clear: “I was elected president of FC Porto, and in my first game at the Luz, I was assigned a different seat than I expected. Therefore, from then on, we reciprocated in the same way. It’s not about any animosity towards Rui Costa. I ended up in the sixth or seventh row, and FC Porto even reciprocated with a better seat, in the third row.” With these words, the president of the dragons did not hesitate to clarify that, despite differences, the divide between the clubs does not prevent dialogue on fundamental issues in Portuguese football. “There is institutional respect, but not enough for us to sit next to each other,” he emphasized.

The rivalry between FC Porto and Benfica continues to be one of the cornerstones of Portuguese football, and Villas-Boas, with his statements, reaffirms the importance of competition and mutual respect, despite the existing differences. What is at stake is more than just a simple rivalry; it is a passion that drives millions and continues to shape the national sports landscape.